Tracing the Evolution of Banking in Sukkur: From Bambi to NBP

Sukkur's banking history began with the establishment of Bambi Bank on January 27th, which later became known as the Imperial Bank of India. Initially operating from a leased property owned by Saith Memon near the SSP residence and the former Powerhouse, the bank eventually relocated across from St. Mary’s High School into a modest limestone-plastered building. President location is Wapda Customer’s care

Illustration of Sukkur’s banking evolution, featuring iconic buildings and symbols representing the transition from Bambi Bank to the National Bank of Pakistan

During the British Raj, an attempted heist involving a tunnel dug towards the bank was foiled, and the culprits were apprehended. Following the partition, the institution was rebranded as the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), which was officially formed in 1949. In recent decades, a new, elegant edifice for the NBP was constructed at the same location, housing the main branch on the ground floor and the State Bank of PakistanState Bank of Pakistan on the upper level.

Prior to Pakistan's independence, Sukkur was home to several other banks. The Arabian Cooperative Bank was founded in 1921 opposite Lux Park, while the Punjab National Bank and the Central Bank both opened their doors in 1935 along Bandar Road. The Sindh Provisional Cooperative Bank Ltd started operations in 1938 on Frere Road. These institutions, along with the local branch of the Imperial Bank of India, which had connections to John Maynard Keynes' work on Indian currency and finance, have since ceased operations or been closed.

1. Sukkur banking evolution
2. Historical banks of Sukkur
3. Bambi Bank history
4. Imperial Bank of India Sukkur
5. National Bank of Pakistan inception
6. British Raj bank heist Sukkur
7. Sukkur’s pre-partition financial institutions
8. Arabian Cooperative Bank 1921
9. Punjab National Bank Sukkur
10. Central Bank Bandar Road
11. Sindh Provisional Cooperative Bank Ltd
12. Imperial Bank currency finance
13. John Maynard Keynes banking
14. Banking sector transformation Sukkur
15. NBP new building Sukkur