HISTORY OF BANKING IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan came into being on 14th August, 1947; sufficient banking services were available in the areas forming Pakistan. Out of the total branches of the nearly 3,500 in the undivided India, as many as about 1,500 branches were existing in these areas. It was agreed between the two countries that reserve bank of India shall continue to function in the Pakistan territory until 30th September 1948 and that Indian notes would continue to be legal tender at Pakistan until 30th September 1948. Unfortunately, relationship between the two countries became most strained immediately after independence; banking was mostly in the lands of Hindus who immediately started transferring their offices and assets into India. As a result most of the banks in Pakistan were closed down and even those which were open were not doing any effective business. The number of banking office in Pakistan came down to about 200 on 30th June 1948. Branches of some European banks were also functioning in a limited manner, financing in export of crops, and their number was limited to about 20. It was only the Habib bank, which transferred its office from Bombay to Karachi Austral Asia bank was another bank, which was in existence in the Pakistan territory at the time of independence. Despite of best efforts on the part of government of Pakistan, no heady way could be made on this behalf and reserve bank of India was in no mood to help the new country. Imperial bank of India, agent of the reserve bank of India also started closing down its branches in Pakistan. Reserve bank also refused to advance money to Pakistan to make essential payments such as salaries etc, also Pakistan’s share of Rs.75 billion in cash balance was with held by bank, causing hardships to the newly born state. In view of these hopeless state affairs it was agreed between the two countries