In a move that marks a major milestone for digital banking in Pakistan, Askari Bank has become the first financial institution in the country to introduce an in-app bank calling feature through its Askari Mobile App. This innovative feature ensures that every call received from the bank is authentic, secure, and trusted, offering customers peace of mind in an era of increasing digital threats.
With the rise in fraudsters using spoofed numbers and fake SMS alerts to deceive bank customers, Askari Bank’s decision to transition to in-app communication is both timely and transformative. This shift not only tackles security issues but also redefines the customer experience, enabling a more reliable and direct form of communication between the bank and its users.
By integrating this new in-app calling feature, Askari Bank has effectively eliminated the risks posed by spoofed calls, which are often used by criminals to impersonate legitimate bank representatives and trick customers into divulging sensitive information. This enhancement is in line with the bank’s mission of “Getting Closer to the Customer”, which seeks to provide greater convenience and security for users while staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the banking sector.
Ali Naqvi, Chief Information Officer at Askari Bank, highlighted the importance of this new feature, stating, “Our goal has always been to offer the most secure banking experience—and with in-app calling, we have taken a major step in this direction. As regulators shift away from SMS due to security vulnerabilities and industry experts call for more robust safeguards, we recognized the need to take a proactive lead. This initiative goes beyond data security—it is about safeguarding our customers from scams and reinforcing brand confidence.”
The introduction of the in-app calling feature is a direct response to the growing concerns over the security of traditional communication methods, such as SMS and phone calls, which are often vulnerable to hacking and fraud. By enabling secure communication exclusively within the app, Askari Bank has created a safe environment for customers to engage with the bank without the risk of impersonation or fraud.
This step is also a response to increasing industry-wide calls for stronger safeguards in the digital banking sector, as regulatory bodies move away from less secure methods like SMS for customer communication. Askari Bank’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting customers from potential threats.
In addition to enhancing data security, the in-app calling feature is designed to improve the clarity and quality of communications, ensuring that every interaction between customers and the bank is seamless and effective. By removing the uncertainty that comes with receiving suspicious calls or messages from third-party sources, Askari Bank is reinforcing its reputation as a trustworthy financial institution.
As digital banking continues to evolve, Askari Bank’s launch of this pioneering feature sets a new standard for customer security and digital innovation in Pakistan’s banking industry. It is an example of how financial institutions can adapt to emerging threats while improving the overall customer experience.
For more information on the Askari Mobile App and its new in-app calling feature, customers can visit the official Askari Bank website or download the app directly from app stores.
