The Bank of Punjab (BOP) recently addressed concerns regarding irregular credit card transactions that caused confusion on social media and certain news outlets. Contrary to circulating reports, the bank confirmed that there was no cyberattack, and the issue stemmed from a temporary technical glitch in its credit card system.
The clarification aims to correct misinformation and assure customers that their financial data remains secure. BOP emphasized that the situation was limited in scope and fully manageable.
What Happened: Understanding the Technical Glitch
During routine monitoring, BOP detected unusual activity in a small segment of credit card accounts. The investigation revealed that a temporary system glitch allowed a limited number of cardholders to perform unauthorised transactions.
Key points of the glitch:
- Only a defined group of credit card holders was affected.
- The issue was unrelated to government initiatives like the Asaan Karobar Card.
- It did not involve any external hacking or cyber intrusion.
This technical malfunction highlights the importance of continuous system monitoring in banks to detect anomalies before they escalate.
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No Cyberattack: BOP’s Official Statement
BOP categorically rejected claims that the incident was a result of a cyberattack. The bank clarified that the system update conducted on 2 January 2026 had no link with the glitch.
Important points from the official statement:
- Reports of a large-scale financial breach were exaggerated and misleading.
- The glitch was a temporary internal system issue, not an external threat.
- Immediate action was taken to investigate and rectify the error.
By addressing misinformation, BOP ensured that customers understood the real cause of the irregular transactions.
Impact on Customers
The technical glitch affected a specific group of credit card holders across BOP’s portfolio. Importantly:
- The incident was not linked to any targeted financing scheme.
- Customers impacted were contacted directly by the bank.
- Those not contacted are unaffected and need not take any action.
Recovery procedures have been initiated, and most affected customers have already begun settling over-limit amounts. The bank assures that the situation remains fully manageable. Bank of Punjab Technical Issue
Steps Taken by the Bank to Resolve the Issue
BOP acted swiftly to address the problem and prevent future occurrences. Actions taken include:
- Immediate internal review to identify the cause.
- Rectification of the system gap responsible for the glitch.
- Implementation of additional safeguards to prevent recurrence.
- Communication with all affected customers to clarify their position and recovery steps.
These measures reflect the bank’s commitment to maintaining operational integrity and customer trust.
Customer Advisory and Safety Measures
BOP has urged all customers to stay alert against potential fraud and to verify the legitimacy of any bank communication. Key recommendations include:
- Engage only with authorised bank officials.
- Avoid responding to individuals with doubtful credentials.
- Contact BOP helpline at +92-42-111-267-200 for clarification.
These guidelines ensure that customers remain secure even during technical glitches.
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Summary Table: Key Facts of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause | Temporary technical glitch in credit card system |
| Scope | Limited group of credit card holders |
| Cyberattack | None |
| Government Scheme Affected? | No |
| Recovery Steps | Internal review, system rectification, customer outreach, safeguards |
| Customer Action Required | Only for those contacted directly; others unaffected |
Conclusion
The Bank of Punjab’s clarification highlights transparency in addressing technical issues. By promptly investigating the glitch, contacting affected customers, and implementing additional safeguards, BOP has reinforced trust and financial security.
Customers are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safety recommendations, and engage only with authorised personnel to avoid fraud attempts. The incident serves as a reminder that even minor technical issues require quick response and clear communication to maintain confidence in banking systems. Bank of Punjab Technical Issue