The State Bank of Pakistan has clarified that newly designed currency notes will not be available by Eid, ending public speculation about their release timeline.
Governor Jameel Ahmad stated that the printing of the new currency notes will begin only after approval from the federal cabinet, meaning the launch process is still in the preparatory stage.
Why the Delay?
According to the SBP governor, Pakistan is currently operating under a tight monetary policy framework agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This has placed strict limits on financial and monetary decisions, contributing to delays in projects such as new currency issuance.
He further revealed that the country has already paid $6 billion in external debt and interest payments, highlighting the financial pressures facing the economy.
What This Means for the Public
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No new currency design notes will be issued by Eid
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The process requires design approval, cabinet clearance, and then printing
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Traditional demand for fresh notes during Eid may not be met with redesigned currency
Economic observers say the government’s priority remains financial stability and debt servicing, which has slowed non-essential initiatives like currency redesign.
