State Bank of Pakistan’s New Currency Notes: Latest Official Information and What Citizens Should Know

In 2026, Pakistan is expected to see major changes in the design of its currency notes as announced by the central bank. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has completed the preparation of new designs for the country’s currency notes and is now awaiting final approval for printing and distribution. This article explains the latest updates, how the process will take place, what changes are expected, and what citizens should know in easy and clear language.

What Is Happening with New Currency Notes in Pakistan?

The government and the State Bank of Pakistan have been working on redesigned banknotes with enhanced security features. These notes are intended to replace current currency designs gradually and are part of the central bank’s efforts to improve financial security and reduce fake money.

According to official statements, the SBP Board has finalized the new designs and submitted them to the federal cabinet for approval. Once the cabinet gives formal clearance, printing of the new notes will begin. This printing process is expected to start soon but will not be immediate, as it involves careful planning and quality control before distribution.

Why Is Pakistan Introducing New Currency Designs?

Pakistan is introducing new banknote designs for a few important reasons:

• Higher Security Against Counterfeiting: The main reason for the redesign is to reduce fake currency by using advanced security elements that are difficult to copy.
• Modern Look and Features: New designs are expected to follow international standards, making the currency more secure, modern, and easier for users to trust.
• Improved Durability: Updated notes are usually made with better materials and printing techniques so they last longer in circulation.
• Public Confidence: A new series of banknotes can strengthen public confidence in the financial system.

The SBP has worked with design experts, possibly including international professionals, to create safe and visually strong currency designs. These designs include advanced security threads, watermarks, special inks, and other features that help prevent counterfeiting and make the notes safer for daily use.

Which Denominations Will Be Redesigned?

The official process will not include all denominations at once. The federal government has approved printing of four redesigned notes in the first phase. These denominations include:

• Rs. 100
• Rs. 500
• Rs. 1,000
• Rs. 5,000

These four banknotes will come with new designs and stronger security measures once printing begins. Lower denominations and coins may be updated later but are not part of the first printing phase.

What Happens to Old Notes?

A question that many people have is whether the old currency notes will become invalid. The simple answer is no. The existing notes will remain legal and valid for use in all transactions even after the new notes are printed and begin circulation.

The new notes will be introduced in a phased rollout, meaning that old and new notes will be used together for a long time. People will not be forced to exchange old notes immediately, and both types of currency will remain accepted by banks, shops, and ATMs.

This gradual transition is designed to avoid any public confusion or financial disruption. There will be plenty of time for citizens to adjust as the new notes are introduced step by step.

Will New Currency Notes Be Available for Eid in 2026?

Many people hoped that the new banknotes might become available before Eid-ul-Fitr in 2026. However, official statements from the SBP make it clear that new notes will not be available before Eid this year. The printing process cannot begin until the federal cabinet approves the designs, and that approval is still pending.

In the meantime, the State Bank continues to supply fresh bundles of the current currency notes to commercial banks, especially before festive occasions like Eid, so people can still withdraw clean and crisp notes from banks and ATMs.

How Will the New Currency Be Printed and Circulated?

Once cabinet approval is received, the printing of the new notes is expected to start with the help of the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) and other printing partners. According to official reported timelines, once printing begins, it could take about two months to complete a batch, depending on production capacity.

After printing and quality inspection, the SBP will release the new notes to commercial banks. Banks will then distribute them to the public in phases. This phased release strategy ensures that the availability of new notes is smooth and controlled so that daily cash transactions are not affected.

What Security Features Are Expected?

While the exact details are not fully public, the new designs are expected to include:

• Watermarks with clear and sharp imagery
• Security threads built into the paper
• Color-changing ink that changes when tilted
• Micro-text that is difficult to replicate
• Improved serial number tracking

These features help individuals and businesses easily identify real notes and discourage counterfeit money. The SBP has finalized these improved features to make the currency safer and more reliable.

What Citizens Should Know and Do

For now, citizens do not need to take any special action. The existing currency notes are still fully valid and accepted everywhere in Pakistan. There is no deadline to exchange old notes, and no demonetization plan is in place.

It is important for people to avoid rumors on social media about sudden changes or invalidation of currency. Instead, they should rely on official statements from the State Bank of Pakistan for confirmed updates.

Final Summary

Pakistan is moving toward a modernized currency system with redesigned banknotes that include enhanced security features. The designs have been finalized and sent to the federal cabinet for approval. Once approved, the SBP will begin printing the new series, starting with four major denominations. The rollout will be gradual, and old notes will continue to remain valid for use. New notes will not be available before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, and the rollout is expected later in the year or early 2027 after printing and distribution begin.

This currency redesign is part of Pakistan’s long-term strategy to improve financial security, reduce counterfeiting, and strengthen trust in the monetary system. Citizens should stay informed with official announcements and continue using current currency notes as usual.