Askari Bank has made a bold leap in Pakistan’s digital banking landscape with the launch of the country’s first in-app banking call feature, designed to significantly strengthen customer security and eliminate the risk of fraudulent phone scams. This innovation, now available through the Askari Mobile App, marks a new era of secure customer communication and reinforces the bank’s position as a digital-first leader in financial services.
Launched under its forward-looking initiative “Breaking the Box,” the in-app call feature allows bank representatives to connect with customers directly through the mobile application, bypassing traditional and often vulnerable telecom channels. This ensures that all calls from Askari Bank are not only encrypted but also authenticated, giving customers full confidence that any interaction within the app is legitimate.
The move is aimed at addressing the growing concern of social engineering scams and fraudulent calls that have been on the rise across the banking sector. Fraudsters often mimic bank personnel and use caller ID spoofing to deceive customers into sharing sensitive information. Askari Bank’s new solution effectively renders such tactics obsolete by creating a fully controlled, secure environment for voice-based customer support.
“This isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about protecting trust,” a spokesperson from Askari Bank said. “When Askari Bank calls, customers can be confident that it’s truly us. Criminals can’t imitate this secure channel.”
The in-app calling system is uniquely designed to ensure only calls initiated by the bank can be received through the app. Customers cannot place outbound calls using the feature, and no communication appears through standard mobile networks, which are susceptible to spoofing and interception. This separation from the conventional telecom system means any call received within the app is verifiably from Askari Bank, removing ambiguity and enhancing consumer trust.
Beyond security, the bank believes this innovation will also enhance the overall customer experience by streamlining communication and reducing the fear and confusion often associated with unexpected calls from unknown numbers. It represents a deeper shift in how banks can utilize digital tools to build more meaningful and trustworthy relationships with customers.
Askari Bank’s focus on secure digital interaction is particularly timely as Pakistan continues to experience a surge in mobile banking adoption. With millions of users now transacting via smartphones, the security and authenticity of digital channels have become paramount. The bank’s in-app call feature positions it as a pioneer not only in Pakistan but in the broader regional fintech space, where secure digital experiences are increasingly seen as essential to sustainable growth.
This development is expected to inspire other financial institutions to follow suit and invest in more robust, tech-driven security solutions. As cyber threats evolve, innovations like in-app authenticated calling will likely become a standard in digital banking, reshaping how financial institutions engage with customers in a secure and trusted environment.
Askari Bank’s commitment to innovation through initiatives like “Breaking the Box” signals its dedication to pushing boundaries and reimagining what secure, customer-centric digital banking can look like in Pakistan and beyond.