RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Security concerns have led to the closure of bank branches located near the Line of Control (LoC), with the public expressing increasing frustration over the disruption. Among the affected branches is the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) branch in Dhar Bazaar, which was shut down on April 30 without prior notice, according to residents.
Outside the bank facility customers received advice to complete their transactions at Hajeera-Rawalakot and Khai Gala locations. This abrupt action has increased the worry among local people who already face escalating security concerns in their area. The announcement came just a day before Labour Day, when banks across the country remained closed, further compounding public difficulty.
The unexpected closure of branches has stirred fear and confusion among residents, who rely heavily on local facilities for their day-to-day financial needs. For many, especially those living in areas close to the LoC, travelling to other towns to access services is neither practical nor safe.
Protestors have now announced plans to block the Tatta Pani-Hajeera Road in protest against the bank’s failure to resume services. They have warned that if access to the ATM and in-branch transactions is not restored immediately, they will proceed with demonstrations.
Local citizens say that the HBL branch was closed at 1:00 PM on April 30 without any consultation with or proper notice to the public. The absence of financial services in the area has caused serious inconvenience, especially for pensioners, labourers, and daily wage workers who depend on cash withdrawals and basic banking.
Habib Bank faces increasing public demands from upper management to act swiftly. People in Rawalakot demand swift attention to resolve the bank crisis because their options are limited and their problems continue to grow.
People will likely experience more tension if Habib Bank’s management fails to take prompt action as the citizens feel neglected when they urgently need services. The closure of banks in Rawalakot exposes frontline communities to the dismay of regional instability in their region.
