As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, many Pakistanis traditionally look for fresh banknotes to give as Eidi to children and relatives. In recent days, social media posts claimed that the State Bank of Pakistan would issue newly designed currency notes before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026.
However, the central bank has now clarified the situation and addressed the rumors circulating online.
According to reports, the State Bank of Pakistan has not announced the release of newly redesigned banknotes before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026. The viral claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and have created confusion among the public.
Newly Designed Currency Notes Not Ready Yet
Officials explained that Pakistan is preparing to introduce a new series of redesigned banknotes with improved security features. These updated notes will include modern designs and stronger protections against counterfeit currency.
However, the rollout of the new banknotes requires formal approval from the federal cabinet before printing can begin. Because this process is still pending, the redesigned currency will not be available before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026.
Experts say printing, inspection and distribution of new banknotes can take several months once approval is granted. Therefore, the introduction of the new currency series will likely happen gradually after the necessary approvals.
Fresh Existing Notes Will Still Be Available
Although newly redesigned notes will not be issued before Eid, the State Bank continues its long standing practice of providing fresh bundles of existing banknotes through commercial banks.
Every year during Ramadan, banks receive clean currency notes so the public can obtain fresh cash for Eid celebrations. Commercial bank branches distribute these notes across the country.
Authorities also ensure that ATM networks dispense clean and usable notes during the festive period to meet increased demand.
Why Pakistan Is Introducing New Currency Designs
Pakistan’s central bank has been working on a redesign of its currency as part of efforts to modernize the financial system. The upcoming banknotes are expected to include several advanced security features.
These improvements may include watermarks, embedded security threads, color shifting ink and micro text. Such measures make counterfeit currency harder to produce and easier to detect.
The new designs also aim to make banknotes more durable and easier to identify.
Old Notes Will Remain Valid
Officials have stressed that the redesign does not mean old currency will become invalid. Existing notes will remain legal tender and continue circulating even after new notes are introduced.
The State Bank plans to introduce the new series gradually to avoid disruption in daily transactions. During the transition period, both old and new notes will circulate together.
For now, citizens are advised to rely on official announcements from the central bank and avoid unverified claims spreading on social media.
