Pakistan’s Currency Notes Changing from January 1? Here’s the Latest Update

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), much like other central banks worldwide, has expressed its intention to introduce a completely new series of currency notes equipped with modern security features. This was confirmed earlier when SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed spoke to the media and hinted at the upcoming redesign.

Following his remarks, the central bank launched a national design competition, shortlisting 10 new banknote designs ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 5,000. The shortlisted collection included one design each for the Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, and Rs 1,000 notes, while the Rs 10, Rs 500, and Rs 5,000 notes had two shortlisted designs each.

According to additional details, these shortlisted concepts are now being refined by international currency design experts. Global design firms are expected to submit finalized versions by December this year. Once completed, the designs will first be reviewed and approved by the SBP Board and then forwarded to the federal government for final approval—likely by January next year.

After government authorization, printing of the new currency series will begin. For now, the design finalization process is still underway, which means it may take more time before the new notes are officially issued.

“The public will be informed before the currency notes are replaced”

Senior journalist Tanveer Malik told V News that the ongoing discussion on social media is largely due to Governor Jameel Ahmed’s earlier remarks during a monetary policy briefing, where he indicated the introduction of redesigned banknotes.

According to Malik, the Governor stated that one major reason for redesigning the notes is to curb counterfeiting, saying the new series would carry significantly stronger security features. However, he added that no official update or clarification has been issued since then.

He emphasized that launching a new currency series would be a major national development, and “the public will be informed before the currency notes are replaced.”

How New Currency Notes Are Printed

Before printing a new series of banknotes, the central bank calculates the annual currency requirement based on economic demand, population growth, and the need to replace damaged notes already in circulation.

The next critical step is selecting the design, a task carried out either by the central bank or international experts. These designs typically reflect a nation’s culture, heritage, and important personalities.

The most crucial aspect of any currency note is its security features—watermarks, embedded safety threads, color-shifting ink, tactile raised printing, and microtext that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.

Currency notes are printed on a specialized type of durable paper, usually made of 100% cotton, which already contains the embedded security features. This paper is produced in secure facilities to ensure confidentiality.

Printing Process in Pakistan

In Pakistan, banknotes are printed by the Security Printing Corporation under strict confidentiality. Techniques such as offset printing are used for backgrounds, while intaglio printing produces the raised textures on the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam and other key features. Serial numbers are added at the final stage to ensure each note is unique.