Will New Currency Notes Arrive Before Eid? Pakistan Govt & SBP Press Release Update – No, Not Before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026!
With Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 approaching (likely around March 20-21), many people in Pakistan were hoping for newly designed currency notes to be available for Eidi and celebrations. Rumors spread on social media claiming fresh redesigned notes (with modern security features) would be released in time. However, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad has officially clarified: New currency notes will NOT be available before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026!
The designs have been finalized and approved by the SBP Board, forwarded to the federal cabinet/Ministry of Finance, but the full printing, testing, quality checks, and stock buildup process will take considerable time. This means redesigned notes won’t circulate before Eid – putting an end to the speculation.
SBP Governor’s Official Statement – Key Highlights (February 2026)
- Designs Finalized: The SBP Board has vetted and approved the new designs for currency notes (denominations from Rs 10 to Rs 5,000), featuring enhanced anti-counterfeit security, updated visuals, and national themes.
- Printing & Rollout Delay: The complex process (including high-security printing, testing, and phased introduction) requires significant time – it won’t be complete before Eid.
- No Release Before Eid: Governor Jameel Ahmad explicitly stated in media interactions and Senate committee briefings that newly designed notes will not be in circulation for Eid-ul-Fitr. Existing notes remain fully valid.
- What Happens for Eid? Banks will distribute fresh, crisp notes of the current designs (as in past Eids) to meet demand – no new redesigns this time.
- Future Plan: Rollout will be gradual after cabinet approval and minimum stock is ready – likely later in 2026 or beyond.
This clarification comes directly from SBP sources and reports (ProPakistani, ARY News, 24NewsHD, and others as of early February 2026).
Why No New Notes for Eid? Simple Reasons
- Time-Intensive Process: Designing, approving, printing with advanced security (to curb counterfeiting), and building stock takes months – can’t rush it.
- Phased Introduction: SBP prefers gradual rollout to avoid disrupting the economy.
- Focus on Security & Quality: New notes include better features reflecting Pakistan’s identity – priority is perfection over speed.
- Eid Tradition Continues: Banks provide clean, new-condition old notes for Eidi – no need for redesign this year.
Quick Facts Table (New Notes Update for Eid 2026)
| Aspect | Details | Status for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| New Designed Notes | Designs approved by SBP Board & forwarded to cabinet | Not available before Eid |
| Printing & Circulation | Complex process (testing, stock buildup) | Delayed – no Eid release |
| Existing Notes | Rs 10 to Rs 5,000 current legal tender | Fresh bundles available from banks |
| SBP Governor Statement | Jameel Ahmad: No before Eid | Official confirmation (Feb 2026) |
| Eid Eidi Expectation | Crisp current-design notes from banks | Tradition unchanged |
Conclusion No – new redesigned currency notes will NOT arrive before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026! SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and official updates confirm the printing delay, debunking rumors. For Eid, rely on fresh existing notes from banks (they’ll have plenty in crisp condition). The new notes with better security are coming soon – j
