State Bank of Pakistan to Launch New Currency Notes in 2025 — Facts You Should Know

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially confirmed its plan to issue a new series of currency notes starting in the second half of 2025. However, several social media posts have created confusion by spreading false or exaggerated claims about the upcoming currency designs and timelines. Here is the fact-based reality about what is actually happening.

What SBP Has Officially Announced

In January 2024, the SBP began the process of designing new currency notes for all existing denominations. The central bank also held an art competition that invited Pakistani artists and the general public to share ideas and themes for the new notes. These ideas will help professional designers create the final versions .

Later, in January 2025, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad confirmed that the new currency notes will begin to circulate gradually in the second half of 2025. The introduction will not happen all at once. He also clarified that the new notes will only be released after cabinet approval and after all technical, printing, and security features are finalized.

Viral Claims vs. Reality

Many viral posts online have shared incorrect details. Here’s what’s true and what’s not:

Viral Claim	Fact / SBP’s Position
New notes will launch by July 2025 and old notes will expire.	False. SBP says it will be a gradual rollout.
All notes will be made of polymer.	Unconfirmed. SBP has not announced any full switch to polymer.
Designs showing landmarks or famous people are finalized.	Incorrect. Those are early concept designs, not official ones.
Notes with pen marks will be banned after July 2025.	False. SBP has denied such claims.

Even AFP Fact Check confirmed that as of mid-2025, SBP had not yet released any final design for the new Rs. 1,000 note. Most viral images are old mockups from previous design competitions.

What to Expect in 2025

The upcoming note series will likely include all denominations — Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000. The main goal is to enhance security by adding modern features like holograms, UV patterns, microtext, and color-shifting threads. Importantly, old notes will remain valid during a transition period.

Stay Alert and Avoid Scams

• Only trust information from SBP’s official website (sbp.org.pk) or verified social media accounts.
• Do not believe any “pre-order” or “limited edition” offers for new notes — they are scams.
• Ignore viral images unless officially confirmed by SBP.

In Summary

Yes, Pakistan will introduce new foreign money notes in 2025, but the exchange could be gradual and punctiliously planned. The goal is to reinforce currency safety and prevent counterfeiting. Until the rollout is complete, all contemporary notes continue to be absolutely valid and secure to use.