Zong, and Askari Bank Limited recently reached an agreement with FDMA to utilize its mobile cash transfer service “Timepey”, to assist the Government’s electronic cash Disbursement to the Displaced Person (DPs) of Northern Waziristan.
The scheme was launched by Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Governor, Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KPK) during a ceremony held at the KPK house, which was attended by officials from Zong, Askari Bank and FDMA.
Under the program, 25,000 Zong SIMs are being provided to the registered DPs. Zong SIMs shall now be utilized to distribute Prime Minister’s relief package through Zong and Askari’s Timepey Branchless Banking service ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process.
Under this relief package, every dislocated family will be given cash disbursement allowance of Rs.25,000 -37,000 in the first month, i.e., July 2014.
The DPs are being registered at make shift camps by NADRA and are then been given free of cost Zong SIMs. Funds are disbursed on the basis of data verified by FDMA. The first batch of bulk disbursement of the relief package was executed on 11th July, 2014.
Speaking to the media at the signing ceremony, Sajid Mahmood said, “Zong has always taken the first step to give back to the society and being a responsible corporate citizen we take pride and take it as our duty to help our brethren in need. Zong Timepay is a reliable money transfer service and we feel honored to be the only operator to support the Federal government in this noble cause undertaken by them. Zong/Askari Bank Timepay will ensure reliable, transparent and timely delivery of funds to DPs so they have enough provisions for the Holy month of Ramadan, Eid and days to come.”
Mr. Abdul Farooq, Area Manager of Askari Bank said, “Askari Bank and Zong have a long and strong relationship and with this collaboration with the Federal Government, we are facilitating free of charges safe and timely payment of funds to the DPs. This Ramadan, we are taking a small initiative to lessen their burden and share the blessings of Ramadan with our brothers and sisters”.
Arshad Khan, DG, FDMA said, “Some 66,726 migrating families from North Waziristan were registered in cities of Bannu and Peshawar recently. We are making every arrangement possible to accommodate these families and provide them with the support they require. I would like to thank Zong and Askari bank for putting their best foot forward in this hour of need and agreeing with the government to provide us with an efficient and transparent mechanism to distribute relief amongst these violence stricken families.”
Talking on behalf of the government, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan added, “The government is aware of the problems being faced by the displaced families and would utilize all available resources to provide relief and assistance to them. The funds assigned under Prime Minister’s program will be used for assistance, relief and rehabilitation of the DPs. Such crisis and difficulties have to be faced by every nation but it is through unity and unanimous support from all quarters, civilian and corporate, that they rise again. The government will remain with the DPs until their complete rehabilitation through its monthly relief efforts thanks to Zong and Askari bank’s Timepey services.”
