Banking Mohtasib Awards Rs1.2 Billion Relief to Bank Customers in Jan-Sep 2026

Banking Mohtasib Relief: What Was Announced

Banking Mohtasib awarded Rs1.2 billion relief to bank customers in Jan-Sep 2026 after deciding 29,001 complaints in their favour.

The announcement was made by Sirajuddin Aziz, the Banking Mohtasib Pakistan, in Karachi on 12 October 2026.

The figures cover the first nine months of the calendar year.

They show the scale of banking disputes reaching the ombudsman's office this year.

Rs1.2 Billion Awarded Across Nine Months

The Rs1.2 billion is the total monetary relief granted to complainants so far in 2026.

It was not imposed as one fine or ordered through a single court action against banks.

Each complaint was examined on its own facts before relief was decided.

This case-by-case method is central to how the office works.

29,001 Complaints Decided in Customers' Favour

A total of 29,001 complaints were decided in favour of customers between January and September.

A decision in the customer's favour means the office found the bank at fault.

Typical cases include unauthorised deductions, delayed services, and disputed charges.

Relief can take the form of refunds, corrections to records, or compensation for losses.

Why Independent Complaints Matter

An independent complaint office keeps banks accountable to ordinary customers.

Many customers cannot afford court cases, so a free complaint channel fills an important gap.

Public figures like the Rs1.2 billion total show the process is being used and producing results.

Complaints Trend: 33,625 New Cases in Nine Months

The office received 33,625 new complaints during the Jan-Sep 2026 period.

The number points to growing public awareness of the complaint channel.

It also reflects the rising volume of disputes linked to digital banking.

Complaints Through the PM Portal

Out of the total, 5,927 complaints arrived through the Prime Minister's Portal.

The portal has become an important route for citizens seeking official attention.

Cases from the portal are processed under the same rules as direct complaints.

Disposal and the Road Ahead

The Mohtasib disposed of a large share of the complaints received this year.

Speedy disposal matters because delayed relief loses value for customers.

According to Dawn's report, the latest numbers were shared at a press briefing in Karachi.

The briefing also covered the fraud advisory issued alongside the figures.

Fraud Warning: A Significant Risk to Banks and Clients

Aziz warned that fraudulent activities are widespread in the banking sector.

He described them as a significant risk to both banks and their clients.

Fraudsters commonly target customers through fake calls and messages.

How Fraudsters Operate

Many cases begin with a phone call from someone pretending to be a bank official.

The caller asks for OTPs, PINs, or account numbers to move money out.

Other scams use mobile links that install malware or open fake login pages.

Once credentials are shared, the account can be emptied within minutes.

The Official Advisory

The Mohtasib advised customers to safeguard their account details at all times.

He said customers should never share credentials with anyone who calls them.

Customers were also told not to click on unverified mobile links.

Banks never ask for passwords or OTPs over the phone.

How to Report Suspicious Calls and Get Help

Customers who receive suspicious calls should contact their bank helpline first.

The helpline can confirm whether a call or message was genuine.

Quick reporting can stop a fraud attempt before money leaves the account.

Report Phone Numbers to NCCIA

Fraudulent phone numbers should be reported to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.

The NCCIA handles cyber crime cases, including banking fraud.

Reporting helps the agency track and block criminal networks.

As ProPakistani noted in its coverage, prevention is now firmly part of the public message.

When to Approach the Banking Mohtasib

Customers should first complain to their own bank and give it time to respond.

If the bank fails to resolve the issue, the Mohtasib can be approached.

Filing a complaint with the office costs nothing.

Keeping records of transactions and messages strengthens any complaint.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Banking Mohtasib?

The Banking Mohtasib is an independent office that resolves complaints against banks in Pakistan.

It examines disputes between customers and banks and orders relief where a bank is at fault.

Its decisions are binding unless challenged through proper legal channels.

How much relief was awarded in Jan-Sep 2026?

The office awarded Rs1.2 billion in monetary relief during January to September 2026.

It decided 29,001 complaints in favour of customers in the same period.

The office received 33,625 new complaints, including 5,927 through the PM Portal.

Is the Rs1.2 billion a single fine imposed on banks?

No, it is not a single fine or a one-time court order against banks.

The amount is the total relief granted across thousands of individual complaints.

Each case was examined separately before relief was awarded.

What fraud warning did the Banking Mohtasib issue?

Sirajuddin Aziz warned that fraudulent activities are widespread and pose a significant risk to banks and clients.

He advised customers to protect account details and never share credentials with callers.

He also told customers to avoid unverified mobile links and verify suspicious calls with bank helplines.

Where should I report a fraudulent phone number?

Fraudulent phone numbers should be reported to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, or NCCIA.

You should also inform your bank's helpline so it can flag the attempt.

Quick reporting improves the chance of blocking the criminals behind the call.