In a significant development for Pakistan’s monetary system, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has finalized the design for new currency notes, according to an official announcement made by SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad during a press conference held in Karachi on Wednesday.
The press briefing, initially arranged to address the central bank’s decision to maintain the current policy interest rate, took an important turn when the governor confirmed that the design for Pakistan’s next-generation currency notes has been selected and will be unveiled after Cabinet approval.
“The process of introducing new currency notes is underway. A design has been selected — one created by an international expert,” said SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad.
Redesigning Pakistan’s Currency Notes
The redesign marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s financial modernization efforts. Though the new currency designs have not yet been made public, the governor clarified that the selection process has been completed. The chosen design is the result of collaboration with an international design expert, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and advanced security features.
It’s important to note that the images circulating online are not the final approved designs. They are instead from a public art competition previously organized by SBP, aimed at fostering public engagement and creativity around the future look of Pakistani currency.
The governor did not provide a timeline for the rollout but emphasized that implementation will commence once the federal Cabinet grants formal approval.
Anticipated Upgrades
While specific design elements and denominations remain confidential, financial analysts and market watchers expect the new currency notes to feature:
- Enhanced anti-counterfeit measures
- Modern design aesthetics
- Reflective symbols of Pakistan’s heritage and progress
This move is part of SBP’s broader strategy to improve public trust in currency security and to align Pakistan’s cash infrastructure with global standards.
The announcement has sparked widespread public interest and speculation, especially across social media platforms. However, the central bank has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified images and wait for the official unveiling.
Next Steps
The redesign now awaits Cabinet-level approval, after which the printing and distribution phase will begin. SBP is expected to release further information in the coming months regarding:
- The transition timeline
- The phasing out of old currency notes (if applicable)
- Measures to ensure a smooth circulation shift
This will be the first major design overhaul of Pakistani currency notes in years, and it reflects SBP’s commitment to embracing innovation while preserving the cultural and historical identity of the nation’s banknotes.
