THIS is with reference to the letter `Banking woes` (March 1). I am also an octogenarian and would like to share a similar treatment meted out to me at a bank branch in Islamabad. It seems the banks in Pakistan want to get rid of senior citizens holding bank accounts, whether they be in Karachi or Islamabad.

I visited the branch of a leading bank located at F-6 supermarket in Islamabad on Oct 10, where I had been maintaining my account for the last many years. I had gone there to inquire about the status of my active current account that had been blocked by the bank due to unknown reasons, which to date have not been conveyed to me.

I was told by the manager that my account had been closed, and that I should pick the cheque made out in my name for the outstanding balance in my account from the relevant counter. Not being accustomed to such treatment, I was so shocked that for a minute I was completely speechless,beingtreatedin such an impolite, unprofessional and shabby way, as if I was some criminal or a terrorist.

The official could not satisfy my query as to the reason for closure, and told me that the bank had sent letters on my given address, wherein the reason had been stated. The purported letters have so far not been received at my mailing address/ email address or on cellphone, all available with the bank.

Ihave afeelingthat the staffposted tothisbranchlackscourtesy andisnot well-versed with banking practices. Last year they closed my younger sister`s account and transferredthe balance to the State Bank ofPakistan (SBP)as an unclaimed deposit. My sister had visited the branch six months prior to the transfer of funds, and even had a biometric verification done to have the account activated.

The banks have found this an easy way toshed the burden ofaccountholders.

Banks have every right to be selective about their customer base, but they should clearly define, display and communicate the perameters that are required to be complied with by prospective customers and account holders before initiating unilateralaction against their clients.

Asma Sufi Islamabad