The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has formally completed the design of new currency notes in Pakistan, a step that will reshape the country’s monetary structure. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad confirmed the statement during a news conference in Karachi, where he said the next-generation note designs have been chosen and are currently pending Cabinet permission for distribution.
Though the press briefing was primarily scheduled to discuss the status quo on the country’s policy interest rate, it took an unexpected and significant turn when the central bank revealed its progress on the long-anticipated SBP currency redesign.
According to Governor Ahmad, the finalized design reflects a collaborative effort involving international design consultants to ensure both visual appeal and enhanced security. The redesign is a strategic part of SBP’s modernization roadmap, focusing on curbing counterfeiting and bringing the physical currency in line with global standards.
However, the governor stressed that the currently circulating images online are not official and have no relation to the finalized versions. These viral images stem from a public art contest previously held by SBP to engage citizens in imagining what future Pakistani banknotes could look like. The actual designs remain confidential and will be made public only after formal Cabinet approval.
Although a release timeline has not yet been provided, officials have hinted that the implementation phase will begin soon after the green light from the federal government. This phase will likely include the printing, distribution, and public transition toward the new notes.
According to financial commentators, Pakistan’s new currency notes will have a number of improvements, such as:
- State-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting technologies
- Modernized design layouts
- National symbolism reflecting Pakistan’s cultural heritage and progress
This redesign will mark the most significant overhaul of Pakistan’s currency in recent history. The current notes, in circulation for years, have faced growing criticism over outdated design and vulnerability to forgery. The SBP currency redesign aims to address both concerns while fostering public confidence in the currency.
The public reaction to the announcement has been intense, particularly across social media platforms. While enthusiasm is high, SBP has urged citizens to remain cautious about unverified content and to await the official launch for accurate information.
The next steps include:
- Federal Cabinet approval of the finalized designs
- Publication of the deployment schedule and transition plan
- Possible phasing out of older notes (subject to SBP directives)
SBP has committed to a smooth transition process, ensuring public awareness and minimal disruption during the currency update. Once launched, the redesigned notes are expected to better reflect Pakistan’s aspirations, technological advancement, and secure monetary framework.
As the nation awaits the unveiling, anticipation continues to build for what the new currency notes in Pakistan will look like and how they will redefine the country’s cash landscape.
