State Bank of Pakistan Introduced: New Currency Notes in 2025

In recent weeks, social media in Pakistan has been buzzing with claims that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is preparing to launch new banknotes in 2025. Many posts suggested that the upcoming notes would have a modern design, polymer material, and advanced holographic features. However, the SBP has officially rejected all these rumors and confirmed that there are no plans to issue new currency notes this year.

This clarification is important because millions of people were misled by fake posts, videos, and forwarded messages on WhatsApp and TikTok. The central bank has urged citizens to rely only on official SBP updates to avoid falling for misinformation and scams.

Social Media Rumors and False Claims

The rumors about “new Pakistani banknotes 2025” began spreading in mid-July. Different online platforms carried posts claiming that the government had approved a complete redesign of the currency series. Some of the most common false claims included:

• Polymer notes for Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500.
• Advanced holographic stripes and metallic security patches.
• New designs for all denominations from Rs. 10 to Rs. 5000.
• A rollout of redesigned notes starting from August 2025.

Because counterfeit notes are already a concern in Pakistan, many people found these claims believable. Viral TikTok videos even showed fake designs of polymer notes, convincing thousands of viewers.

SBP’s Official Statement

On August 15, 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan issued a clear and detailed statement. It confirmed that:

1. No new currency notes are being introduced.
2. Current notes (Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000) remain legal and valid.
3. The notes in circulation today were introduced between 2005 and 2008, and there has been no decision to redesign them.
4. Rumors about cabinet approval or government orders for new notes are completely false.

The central bank also stated that it is working with cyber authorities to trace and stop the spread of fake news. Special attention is being given to videos and graphics that falsely show “new polymer notes.”

Why Did People Believe the Rumors?

There are several reasons why so many people accepted these false stories as true:

1. Viral Fake Videos: Edited clips on TikTok and Facebook showed realistic-looking “new notes,” making people think they were real.
2. Confusion About SBP’s Art Competition: In 2024, the SBP held an art contest to collect creative ideas for future banknotes. Some people misunderstood this competition as an official redesign announcement.
3. Counterfeit Problem in Pakistan: Since fake currency is a known issue, the claim that SBP was upgrading notes for stronger security seemed logical.
4. Fake News Sites: Several blogs and Facebook pages spread posts claiming to quote “SBP insiders,” adding to the confusion.

This combination of fake visuals, old news misused, and existing concerns about counterfeit money made the rumors spread very fast.

How to Stay Safe from Fake News

The State Bank has advised citizens to be cautious and always check official sources before believing or sharing any news about currency changes. Some safe practices include:

• Check updates only on SBP’s official site: sbp.org.pk ✅
• ✅ Follow SBP’s verified social media accounts.
• ✅ Use the SBP’s mobile app or UV light features to check the authenticity of currency notes.
• ✅ Never believe in “pre-order” offers for new notes, as these are scams.
• ✅ Report suspicious posts or fake news to SBP’s helpline: 111-727-273.

By following these steps, people can protect themselves from fraud and misinformation.

Current Notes in Circulation

As of 2025, the following Pakistani banknotes remain valid and legal:

• Rs. 10
• Rs. 20
• Rs. 50
• Rs. 100
• Rs. 500
• Rs. 1,000
• Rs. 5,000

These notes were gradually introduced between 2005 and 2008 and remain the standard legal tender across the country.

In addition, the SBP occasionally issues special commemorative coins—such as the Rs. 75 coin—to celebrate national milestones. However, these are limited editions and do not replace the regular notes.

Why New Notes Are Not Being Issued

While some countries regularly redesign their banknotes for better security, SBP explained why Pakistan is not introducing new notes in 2025:

1. High Printing Costs: Printing new notes requires a massive investment in design, security features, and distribution.
2. No Urgent Need: Current notes already include modern security features like watermarks, micro-text, and color-shifting ink.
3. Counterfeit Measures: SBP is focusing on better awareness campaigns and technology rather than changing the entire currency series.
4. Economic Priorities: With Pakistan facing economic challenges, the government is prioritizing stability over cosmetic changes.

The Role of Trust in Financial Systems

Currency is not just paper—it represents trust between the state and its citizens. If people believe fake news about new notes, it can create panic, confusion, and even scams. For example, some fraudsters may try to trick people by offering “early access” to fake notes in exchange for money.

That is why SBP’s clarification is so important. By ensuring people know that no new notes are being launched, the central bank protects public trust and prevents unnecessary panic.

Lessons from the Rumor

The 2025 banknote rumor teaches us several lessons:

• Fact-checking is essential: Always confirm news with reliable sources.
• Social media can mislead: Viral posts may look convincing but are often false.
• Central banks are the authority: Only the SBP can confirm changes to the Pakistani currency.
• Public awareness matters: The more people know about how to check real notes, the less power counterfeiters and scammers have.

Conclusion

The State Bank of Pakistan has made it clear: there are no new Pakistani banknotes in 2025. All existing notes from Rs. 10 to Rs. 5000 remain valid and legal. Viral claims about redesigned, polymer, or holographic notes are false and misleading.

Citizens should ignore fake forwards and rely only on SBP’s official website and verified accounts for currency updates. By staying alert and informed, people can protect themselves from scams and help maintain trust in Pakistan’s financial system.