Pakistan’s inaugural weather‑proof outdoor ATM is now live on a bustling Karachi street.
TouchPoint, a fintech infrastructure provider, has teamed up with Soneri Bank Limited to roll out the country’s first outdoor ATM that can withstand the region’s harsh climatic conditions. The kiosk, installed in a heavily frequented area of Karachi, is designed to stay operational throughout monsoon downpours, sweltering summer heat and the dust that often hampers electronic equipment in South Asian cities.
The machine incorporates a sealed enclosure, temperature‑controlled components and anti‑theft mechanisms that meet both international and State Bank of Pakistan security standards. Engineers claim the unit can function continuously for 72 hours without external power, drawing on a built‑in battery backup that kicks in during outages—an essential feature given the frequent load‑shedding that affects many urban neighborhoods.
For everyday users, the new ATM expands access to cash and basic banking services beyond regular branch hours, especially for those who rely on cash for daily transactions in informal markets. By situating the kiosk in a location where foot traffic peaks during early mornings and late evenings, Soneri Bank aims to reduce the need for long commutes to branch offices, thereby enhancing financial inclusion for low‑income and peripheral communities.
In a brief statement, TouchPoint highlighted the project as a “milestone in building resilient fintech infrastructure” for Pakistan, noting that the success of this pilot could pave the way for similar installations in other climate‑challenged cities such as Lahore and Peshawar. Industry observers see the move as part of a broader push by Pakistani banks to modernise their service delivery channels and to meet the growing expectations of a digitally‑savvy population.