The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced the establishment of a single consolidated account for donations to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Flood, Earthquake, and Other Calamities. The move is aimed at simplifying the donation process and ensuring that funds reach the relief effort quickly and efficiently.
According to the central bank, the dedicated account has been opened under IBAN: PK69FGPM0024632999990624, with clear instructions to all commercial and microfinance banks to accept contributions from the public. Donors now have multiple options for contributing, including cash deposits, cheque payments, and various digital banking channels.
The SBP has directed banks across the country to provide seamless collection services at their branches. Donations made in cash will be received and credited to the designated IBAN account. For efficiency, transfers will be routed through the Raast instant payment system or the real-time gross settlement mechanism. Donors also have the option to make contributions at any field office of the SBP Banking Services Corporation.
Cheque donations have been made equally convenient. The SBP’s circular instructs banks to install drop-box facilities at selected branches where donors can deposit crossed cheques payable to the Relief Fund. Once deposited, the respective bank will debit the donor’s account and transfer the funds electronically into the designated account through Raast. This ensures transparency and standardization across all banking channels.
The central bank has also emphasized the importance of enabling digital channels for donation collection. All banks have been ordered to integrate the Relief Fund IBAN into their internet banking portals, mobile banking applications, and mobile wallets. This is expected to not only simplify contributions for domestic donors but also encourage greater use of digital financial services in Pakistan, further aligning with the country’s shift toward cashless transactions.
Recognizing the role of the diaspora community, the SBP has extended donation avenues for overseas Pakistanis as well. Contributions can be made via wire transfers from foreign bank accounts, or through money service bureaus, money transfer operators, and exchange houses. These arrangements are designed to ensure that contributions from abroad are processed securely and credited promptly to the Relief Fund.
The initiative reflects the SBP’s commitment to harnessing both traditional and digital banking infrastructure for national causes. By consolidating donations into a single account and streamlining payment options, the regulator has sought to maximize transparency, accountability, and convenience for donors.
In recent years, Pakistan has faced repeated natural disasters ranging from floods to earthquakes, placing enormous pressure on relief efforts. Establishing a clear, accessible donation mechanism is expected to channel public and overseas contributions more effectively, helping authorities provide timely assistance to those in need.
The SBP’s directive also sends a strong signal about the growing importance of digital platforms in supporting financial inclusion and national resilience. With the Relief Fund now accessible through both traditional and technology-driven banking methods, the system underscores how financial infrastructure can be mobilized quickly in response to crises.
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