On how banks discriminate against women in Pakistan - I remember when I was buying my first car as a salaried person working in Pakistan in a ‘permanent’ job - I applied for a car loan to a bank.
I was told My father had to be the guarantor. He was traveling and out the of country at the time. I asked if my mother who works at the American school and has a stable and well paying job could sign the paperwork instead.
I was told she could not. I had to produce a father, brother or husband. This was somewhat challenging since I’m an only child and husbandless.
I explained this to the bank officer. He was not sympathetic. And told me I had to wait till a man related to me could guarantee my financial stability. I remember feeling really annoyed and arguing with the man but eventually had to stop. There was nothing to be done.
I waited for Abba to return and sign papers. I was younger then so didn’t get as angry about it. Would totally burn down some (metaphorical) buildings if this happened now in my angry feminist stage of life. Pakistani banks give thanks to Allah I don’t need credit from you!
Reading @shazchy09 ‘s ordeal at a bank today where his financially independent daughters could not become his guarantors for a loan reminded me of how utterly unfair this country is to the better half of its citizenry.
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