Special Edition-07.pdf - Lahore School of Economics

Financial Sector Restructuring in Pakistan 107
III.B. Second Phase of Financial Reforms (1997-2001)
In late 1996 the financial sector was on the verge of collapse
(Table-3) with about one-third of banking assets stuck in the form of Non
Performing Loans (NPLs). Liquidity problems had begun to emerge as
disintermediation spread and banking losses increased. Most cases of loan
defaults remained unresolved because of the ineffective judicial system.
These problems were rooted in a failure of governance and lack of
financial discipline. Political interference had vitiated the financial
intermediation function of the banking system and the borrowers expected
not to repay loans they took, especially from National Commercial Banks
(NCBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). NCBs and DFIs were
the main loss makers because over 90% of their loans were in default.
Excess manpower, large branch network and undue interference by labor
unions resulted in large operating losses. Poor disclosure standards and
corruption were widespread. These serious problems created a demand for
further reforms. As a result, the second phase of banking sector reforms 30
was introduced in early 1997. These reforms addressed the fundamental
causes of crisis and corruption and strengthened corporate governance and
financial discipline. In this regard, the cost structure of banks was first
restructured through capital maintenance and increased by public funds.
Secondly, partially privatized commercial banks were privatized
completely. Thirdly, bank branches were fully liberalized which allowed
private banks to grow faster and increase their market share. Fourthly,
loan collateral foreclosure was facilitated and strengthened to reduce
default costs and to expand lending to lower tier markets, including
consumer banking. Fifthly, national savings schemes were reformed so as
to integrate with the financial market. Sixthly, the mandatory placement
of foreign currency deposits was withdrawn. Lastly, the SBP was
strengthened to play a more effective role as regulator and guardian of the
banking sector and phase out the direct and concessional credit programs
to promote market integration.
30 The second phase of banking sector reforms started from 1997 to 2001.