The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has confirmed that all banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) have handed over their unclaimed deposits up to December 31, 2024. This move allows individuals to now claim dormant accounts, long-forgotten balances, or unclaimed financial instruments that have been lying inactive for years.
Citizens can request refunds either through the bank where their account was opened or, if that branch is closed, through the nearest branch of the same bank.
Unclaimed Deposits
Unclaimed deposits often include accounts where customers have not transacted for several years or financial instruments such as pay orders, demand drafts, or fixed deposits that were never collected. With millions of rupees sitting idle, the SBP encourages account holders and heirs to check if they have money waiting for them.
How to View the Unclaimed Deposits List
- Go to the official State Bank of Pakistan website or the dedicated unclaimed deposits page of your bank.
- Select the year of interest for unclaimed deposits.
- Choose the relevant bank or DFI.
- An Excel sheet will display details including branch name, province, account holder’s name, CNIC/Passport number, address and the amount.
- Use ‘Ctrl+F’ to quickly search for your name or details.
How to File a Refund Claim
Account holders or legal heirs who want to claim money already handed over to the State Bank of Pakistan by banks or DFIs should follow these steps:
- Visit the Bank: Go to the branch where the account was originally opened or where the financial instrument (like a pay order or demand draft) was payable. If that branch has closed or moved, visit the nearest branch of the same bank. In cases where banks have merged or been acquired, contact the nearest branch of the acquiring bank. Notifications regarding mergers or acquisitions can be found on the SBP website.
- Submit Your Claim: Provide the following documents to the bank:
- An application in your name, signed and detailing the account or instrument.
- A copy of your valid CNIC (or passport).
If the account holder is deceased:
- A succession certificate issued by a competent court
- An indemnity bond on Rs. 100/- non-judicial stamp paper, signed by all legal heirs, along with CNIC copies of heirs and the death certificate of the account holder. (Required if the deceased account holds less than Rs. 100,000.)
- Processing: The branch manager will forward the claim along with all records to the relevant department.
- SBP Verification and Refund: The SBP will verify the claim. Once approved, the surrendered amount will be sent back to the bank, which will then credit it to the applicant’s account.
Millions of Pakistanis may be unaware that money belonging to them or their families has been lying dormant for years. By following these steps carefully, account holders and heirs can recover long-forgotten money safely and officially.
