State Bank of Pakistan Confirms Plans for New Currency Notes in 2025
Recently, many social media posts and messages claimed that Pakistan will launch completely new currency notes in 2025 with fancy new designs, polymer material, and upgraded security features. But is that true? The truth is more nuanced. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has indeed taken steps toward issuing a new banknote series, but many of the viral claims are exaggerated or false.
What the SBP Has Officially Said
- In January 2024, the SBP officially started the process of designing a new series of banknotes, covering all existing denominations.
- The SBP held an art competition in 2024 to collect creative themes and ideas from artists and the public. Those ideas will be used by professional designers to finalize the actual notes.
- In January 2025, the SBP governor, Jameel Ahmad, announced that the new currency notes will start entering circulation in the second half of 2025, but in a gradual rollout, not all at once.
- The governor added that the new notes will only be introduced after getting cabinet approval and after all technical and design work is complete.
- As per global news sources like Bloomberg, the central bank has reportedly completed the designs for the new notes, including improved security features.
What the Viral Claims Say — and What Is Wrong
| Viral Claim | Fact / SBP’s Position |
|---|---|
| New notes will be launched by July 2025 and old notes invalidated | SBP says no such deadline; it will be a gradual switch. |
| Polymer notes (plastic-like) will be used immediately | There is no confirmed plan yet to shift all denominations to polymer. |
| Designs showing famous landmarks or portraits are already finalized | Those designs are from early ideas & mockups, not confirmed. |
| Notes with pen marks or handwriting will be banned from July 1, 2025 | This is false. SBP explicitly denied any such ban. |
One fact‐checking agency, AFP, also confirmed that as of mid-2025, the SBP had not officially introduced any new design for the Rs. 1,000 note, and many viral images are from past design competitions, not the final notes.
What to Expect in 2025
- The new series will likely include all current denominations (Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000), each redesigned.
- Security features will be improved: holograms, finer microtext, better threads, UV elements, etc.
- Old notes will not be invalidated immediately; they will stay in circulation for a transition period.
Tips to Avoid Falling for Scams
- Always check SBP’s official website (sbp.org.pk) or its verified social media channels for announcements.
- Don’t believe any “pre-order” offers for new notes — these are usually scams.
- Ignore viral images unless they are officially confirmed.
- Beware of messages saying “valid until July 2025” for old notes — SBP hasn’t said that.
In Summary
Yes — Pakistan is moving toward launching a new banknote series in 2025. But many sensational claims are misleading. This will not be an overnight change; it will take time, approvals, and careful planning. Until the new notes fully arrive, the existing series remains valid and safe to use.
