Rumors about new currency notes in Pakistan have been trending heavily, especially claims of a new Rs. 1,000 note already in circulation. To avoid confusion, here is a fact-based, official, and spam-free update based strictly on confirmed information from the State Bank of Pakistan.
π Little Detail About New Currency Notes Plan
As of 2026, no newly designed currency notes have been released for public circulation. All existing banknotes currently used across Pakistan remain fully valid legal tender.
The SBP has publicly rejected viral social media claims showing so-called βnew notes,β calling them fake and misleading.
Official Status of Currency Notes in Pakistan (2026)
At present, the following denominations continue as legal tender nationwide:
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Rs. 10
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Rs. 20
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Rs. 50
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Rs. 100
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Rs. 500
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Rs. 1,000
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Rs. 5,000
β‘οΈ No note has been withdrawn or banned, including the Rs. 5,000 note.
π Denominations Approved for Redesign
While not yet launched, the federal cabinet has approved redesign plans for selected notes:
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Rs. 100
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Rs. 500
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Rs. 1,000
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Rs. 5,000
These notes will be released only after final cabinet clearance and printing, not instantly.
β Eligibility: Which Notes Will Change?
Only the four denominations listed above are included in the redesign plan.
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Rs. 10 β Proposal exists to replace with a coin (not approved yet)
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Rs. 20 & Rs. 50 β No confirmed redesign decision
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β No denomination is being discontinued
π‘ Benefits of the Upcoming New Currency Notes
The redesigned notes aim to meet international banking standards, offering:
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Advanced anti-counterfeit security
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Color-shifting ink and security threads
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Better durability (polymer testing for Rs. 1,000)
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Cultural and heritage-based designs
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Braille & tactile marks for visually impaired users
β οΈ Limitations & Current Reality
Despite approvals, key limitations remain:
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β No official launch date announced
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π Printing takes time due to complex security features
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π Rollout will be phased, not overnight
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π΅ Old notes will stay valid for several years
There is no requirement to exchange cash at this stage.
Applying Process: How New Notes Will Enter the Market
The SBP will follow a controlled rollout:
| Step | Official Plan |
|---|---|
| Design finalization | Completed |
| Final cabinet clearance | Pending |
| Printing | Phased (2β3 notes at a time) |
| Market circulation | Gradual |
| Old notes | Remain legal |
β Fresh Notes vs New Designs (Important Clarification)
Many people confuse fresh notes with new designs.
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SBP regularly issues fresh/clean notes of existing designs (especially before Eid)
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Recently, banks received Rs. 27 billion worth of fresh notes
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These are not redesigned notes, only new-condition currency
π Whatβs Confirmed for 2026?
According to SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, the redesign process is in its final technical stages. Once minimum stock levels are achieved, gradual rollout may begin during 2026.
Until then, any claim of βnew notes already launchedβ is false.
Are new currency notes officially released in Pakistan?
No. As of 2026, no redesigned notes are in circulation.
Is the Rs. 5,000 note being banned?
No. SBP has denied all such rumors.
When will new notes be available?
After final cabinet approval, through phased rollout.
Are existing notes still valid?
Yes. All current notes remain legal tender.
Final Takeaway
Pakistan is preparing carefully, not rushing, toward redesigned currency notes. The focus is on security, durability, and inclusionβwithout disturbing the economy or public confidence. For now, your existing cash is completely safe, and any viral claims about βnew notesβ should be ignored unless confirmed by the State Bank of Pakistan itself.
