SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad confirmed on January 26, 2026 that the printing of new-design currency notes is at an “advanced stage” and will begin as soon as Pakistan’s federal cabinet grants final approval. Speaking at a press conference to announce the State Bank’s monetary policy decision, the Governor stated: “The process of printing new-design banknotes is at an advanced stage. We will soon start the printing, subject to approval from the Cabinet.We will print two to three currency notes of different denominations simultaneously.”
The redesigned notes , covering Rs. 100, Rs. 500, Rs. 1,000, and Rs. 5,000 denominations , will feature enhanced security threads, color-shifting ink, holographic strips, tactile printing, and reflect Pakistan’s cultural heritage and geographic diversity. Critically, new notes will not be available before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 , but all existing Pakistani notes remain fully valid legal tender and will not be forcibly exchanged. This complete guide explains exactly what is changing, what is staying the same, what the new notes will look like, and what every Pakistani citizen needs to do right now.
SBP New Currency Notes 2026 – Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
| SBP Governor | Jameel Ahmad |
| Confirmation Date | January 26, 2026 (Senate Standing Committee + Press Conference) |
| SBP Senate Testimony | January 4, 2026 (Senate Standing Committee on Finance) |
| Status | Designs finalized → Cabinet approval pending → Printing starts after approval |
| Denominations (Phase 1) | Rs. 100, Rs. 500, Rs. 1,000, Rs. 5,000 |
| Simultaneous Printing | 2–3 denominations at once |
| Printing Authority | Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) + partners |
| Cabinet Committee | Constituted by PM Shehbaz Sharif to examine redesign proposals |
| Before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 | ❌ Confirmed , new notes will NOT be available before Eid |
| Expected Rollout | Later 2026 or early 2027 (after printing + quality inspection + distribution) |
| Old Notes Status | ✅ Fully valid , no forced exchange , continues as legal tender |
| Polymer Note Experiment | ✅ One denomination being tested as plastic/polymer note |
| Central Bank Digital Currency | Under review , legal framework bill before federal government |
| Monetary Policy Rate (MPC, Jan 2026) | 10.5% , unchanged |
The Official Timeline – How We Got Here
Understanding the full journey of Pakistan’s new currency notes requires going back to the beginning:
| Date | Event |
| 2025 (Earlier) | SBP Governor first confirmed new notes target , “first note expected by end of 2025” |
| January 4, 2026 | SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad tells Senate Standing Committee on Finance: designs are with Federal Cabinet for finalization , printing starts right after approval |
| January 26, 2026 | Governor’s landmark press conference , confirms printing at “advanced stage”; 2–3 denominations simultaneously; phased rollout; won’t disclose which denomination comes first |
| Late January 2026 | PM’s Office confirms PM Shehbaz Sharif chaired Cabinet meeting reviewing currency redesign proposals; Cabinet committee constituted for detailed examination |
| February 2026 | SBP confirms new notes will NOT be available before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026; fresh bundles of existing notes supplied to commercial banks for Eid season |
| March 2026 (Current) | Cabinet approval still pending; PSPC preparing for printing; phased rollout expected later 2026 or early 2027 |
What SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad Said , Exact Official Statements
The most reliable source for this news is Business Recorder’s direct reporting from the SBP Governor’s press conference on January 26, 2026. Here are the verified official statements:
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad confirmed: “The process of printing new-design banknotes is at an advanced stage. We will soon start the printing, subject to approval from the Cabinet. We will print two to three currency notes of different denominations simultaneously.”
On when the notes will enter circulation, Ahmad said: “The new-design notes will come into circulation as soon as the central bank achieves the minimum stock of the new notes that will replace the notes in circulation at present [in phase mannered].”
On the approval process, Ahmad explained: “We have sent the new designs to the government for its approval. Later on, the government sent the designs to the Cabinet for its approval.”
On which denominations come first, Ahmad refused to disclose which denomination notes would come first in circulation.
On the Rs. 5,000 note controversy, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad has clarified that there is no proposal to discontinue the 5,000 rupee note.
Which Denominations Are Being Redesigned?
The series to be launched are denominations of 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000.
| Denomination | Status | Notes |
| Rs. 10 | ❌ Not in Phase 1 | May be updated later |
| Rs. 20 | ❌ Not in Phase 1 | May be updated later |
| Rs. 50 | ❌ Not in Phase 1 | May be updated later |
| Rs. 75 | ❌ Not in Phase 1 | Commemorative , not redesigned |
| Rs. 100 | ✅ Phase 1 , Being Redesigned | New design + security features |
| Rs. 500 | ✅ Phase 1 , Being Redesigned | New design + security features |
| Rs. 1,000 | ✅ Phase 1 , Being Redesigned | New design + security features |
| Rs. 5,000 | ✅ Phase 1 , Being Redesigned | ❌ NOT being discontinued |
Currently in circulation: At present, the different denomination notes in circulation are of Rs10, Rs20, Rs50, Rs75, Rs100, Rs500, Rs1,000 and Rs5,000.
New Security Features – What Will Change on Pakistan’s Currency
The new currency notes will include advanced international standards to fight counterfeiting: Enhanced security threads, color-shifting ink (optically variable ink), tactile/raised printing (to assist the visually impaired), and improved durability and machine readability.
Here is the complete breakdown of all new security features confirmed or expected:
| Security Feature | How It Works | Who It Protects |
| Enhanced Security Threads | Metallic or holographic thread embedded in paper , difficult to replicate | Counterfeit protection |
| Color-Shifting Ink (OVI) | Number changes color when tilted , gold/green shift visible | ATM and cashier verification |
| Tactile / Raised Printing | Texture you can feel with fingertip | Visually impaired citizens |
| Improved Watermarks | Pakistan crescent-star or Jinnah image visible when held to light | Standard anti-counterfeit |
| Machine Readability | ATMs and counting machines verify authenticity automatically | Banking system efficiency |
| Holographic Strip | Shimmering hologram strip on high-denomination notes | Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5,000 |
| Polymer Experiment | The SBP is experimenting with an experimental polymer (plastic) note of one denomination to experiment the life of the note under local conditions. | Durability and longevity |
New Design Themes – What Will Pakistan’s New Notes Look Like?
Designs will feature Pakistan’s geographical diversity, historical landmarks, and social themes like climate change awareness and women’s contributions to national development. The Portrait: The front of the notes will continue to feature Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, maintaining a link to national identity.
The aesthetic themes point out: regional and geographical diversity, national landmarks and climate change awareness, significant contributions of women to national progress.
| Design Element | What to Expect |
| Front Portrait | Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah , unchanged |
| Back Imagery | Pakistan’s geographical landmarks , mountains, rivers, heritage sites |
| Social Themes | Climate change awareness; women’s contributions to Pakistan |
| Regional Diversity | Cultural representation from all four provinces + Gilgit-Baltistan + AJK |
| Color Palette | Updated , modern tones with enhanced visual contrast |
| Typography | Updated fonts , machine-readable and visually clear |
Official designs have not yet been publicly released. Many images of “new notes” shared online are not real. The SBP has clearly stated that official designs have not yet been released. Do not trust any “leaked” images circulating on WhatsApp, TikTok, or Facebook , all unofficial images are fabrications.
Why Pakistan Is Redesigning Its Currency – 4 Official Reasons
The current banknote series has been in circulation since 2005, and over time, it has become necessary to upgrade the design and security features to meet modern standards.
Pakistan’s current currency series is over 20 years old. Here are all four official reasons for the redesign:
| Reason | Explanation |
| Counter Counterfeiting | Counterfeit currency has long been a concern. Advanced security features that are difficult to copy or replicate help protect individuals and businesses from fraud. |
| Improved Durability | Updated notes are made with better materials and printing techniques so they last longer in circulation , reducing replacement costs. |
| International Standards | Many countries update their currency regularly. SBP is following international practices to keep Pakistan’s monetary system aligned with global standards. |
| Public Confidence | A new series of banknotes strengthens public confidence in the financial system and supports the broader goal of documented economic activity. |
Additionally, Ahmed highlighted the SBP’s efforts to introduce a Central Bank Digital Currency. He stated that a bill to establish the legal framework for the digital currency is under review by the federal government.
How the Rollout Will Work – Phase-by-Phase Distribution
Once the federal cabinet approves the designs, printing will be carried out by the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) along with other approved partners. The process will be carefully managed to maintain quality. Printing may take around two months per batch, depending on production capacity. After printing, notes will undergo quality inspection before being released to banks. Banks will distribute the new notes to the public in phases.
| Phase | What Happens | Timeline |
| Cabinet Approval | Federal cabinet gives final green light to SBP designs | Pending , expected 2026 |
| Printing Begins | PSPC + partners print 2–3 denominations simultaneously | ~2 months per batch |
| Quality Inspection | Every note verified before leaving PSPC facility | After printing |
| Minimum Stock Achieved | SBP achieves sufficient volume to begin circulation | Before public release |
| Bank Distribution | Notes sent to commercial banks across Pakistan | Phased by region |
| Public Access | ATMs and bank counters begin dispensing new notes | Gradual , over months |
| Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 | ❌ New notes will NOT be available | Confirmed by SBP |
| Full Rollout | Both old and new notes circulate simultaneously | Later 2026 or early 2027 |
Will Old Notes Become Invalid? The Complete Answer
This is the most important question for every Pakistani citizen , and the answer is completely reassuring.
Existing notes will remain valid even after the new ones are released. The SBP plans a phased rollout, meaning old and new notes will circulate together for months. Citizens will not need to exchange their old notes immediately. Banks, shops, and ATMs will accept both old and new notes during the transition.
The new notes will be introduced in a phased rollout, meaning that old and new notes will be used together for a long time. People will not be forced to exchange old notes immediately, and both types of currency will remain accepted by banks, shops, and ATMs. This gradual transition is designed to avoid any public confusion or financial disruption.
Bottom line: You do not need to rush to exchange any of your current notes. There is no deadline, no forced exchange, and no invalidation plan.
Rs. 5,000 Note – Is It Being Discontinued? Official Answer
Social media has spread intense rumors that the Rs. 5,000 note will be banned or discontinued as part of this redesign. This is completely false.
Despite ongoing rumors, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad has clarified that there is no proposal to discontinue the 5,000 rupee note.
There is no plan to ban or discontinue the Rs. 5000 note. It will be redesigned like other denominations.
The Rs. 5,000 note is being redesigned with enhanced security features , not discontinued. This is an improvement, not a withdrawal.
Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) – Who Prints Pakistan’s Money
The Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) is the government-owned entity responsible for printing all Pakistani currency notes. Key facts:
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) |
| Ownership | Government of Pakistan |
| Location | Karachi (main facility) |
| Established | 1949 |
| Products | Currency notes, passports, stamps, prize bonds |
| Role in 2026 | Primary printer of new-design currency series + international partners if needed |
| Production Capacity | ~2 months per denomination batch |
| Quality Control | All notes inspected before bank distribution |
SBP’s Monetary Policy Context – Policy Rate Unchanged at 10.5%
The new currency announcement came during the same press conference as Pakistan’s first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision of 2026.
The SBP decided to keep its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 10.5% in its first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of 2026.
| MPC Detail | Information |
| Policy Rate | 10.5% , Unchanged |
| Decision Date | January 2026 (first MPC of year) |
| Next MPC | 6-week cycle , typically February/March 2026 |
| Inflation Context | Rate held to balance inflation control with growth support |
| Significance for Currency Notes | Lower interest rates reduce cost of financing PSPC printing operations |
Beware of Fake News – Official SBP Warning
There is a lot of fake news on social media about new currency notes. SBP clearly said that people should not believe messages from WhatsApp or TikTok without proof.
Key facts to remember and share:
- 🔴 Fake “leaked” note images , all unofficial designs circulating on WhatsApp/Facebook are fabricated
- 🔴 “Old notes banned from X date” , completely false; no invalidation date exists
- 🔴 “Rs. 5,000 discontinued” , explicitly denied by SBP Governor himself
- 🔴 “New notes available before Eid 2026” , confirmed false by SBP
- 🔴 “Exchange your notes at banks now” , no exchange requirement exists
- ✅ Only trust official SBP announcements at sbp.org.pk
- ✅ Official helpline: 111-727-111 (SBP Call Centre)
What Citizens Should Do Right Now
Many Pakistanis are confused about whether they need to take any immediate action. The answer is clear:
| Action | Should You Do It? |
| Exchange your old notes immediately | ❌ No , completely unnecessary |
| Rush to banks for new notes | ❌ No , new notes not yet available |
| Stop using Rs. 5,000 notes | ❌ No , fully valid until further notice |
| Believe WhatsApp/TikTok designs | ❌ No , all unofficial |
| Continue using all current notes | ✅ Yes , fully valid and accepted everywhere |
| Monitor SBP official website | ✅ Yes , sbp.org.pk for updates |
| Report counterfeit notes | ✅ Yes , contact your nearest commercial bank |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What did the SBP Governor confirm about new currency notes in Pakistan 2026? SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad stated: “The process of printing new-design banknotes is at an advanced stage. We will soon start the printing, subject to approval from the Cabinet. We will print two to three currency notes of different denominations simultaneously.” He made this announcement at a press conference on January 26, 2026, while announcing the monetary policy decision.
Q: Which denominations will be redesigned in Pakistan’s new currency series? The series to be launched are denominations of 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000. Lower denominations (Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50) are not part of Phase 1.
Q: Will new Pakistani currency notes be available before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026? The SBP has confirmed that the new notes will not be available before Eid. Printing cannot start until cabinet approval is granted, and the process is expected to take time.
Q: Do I need to exchange my old Pakistani currency notes? The existing notes will remain legal and valid for use in all transactions even after the new notes are printed and begin circulation. People will not be forced to exchange old notes immediately, and both types of currency will remain accepted by banks, shops, and ATMs.
Q: Is the Rs. 5,000 note being discontinued? SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad has clarified that there is no proposal to discontinue the 5,000 rupee note. It is being redesigned with better security features , not withdrawn.
Q: What new security features will Pakistan’s redesigned notes have? The new currency notes will include advanced international standards to fight counterfeiting: enhanced security threads, color-shifting ink (optically variable ink), tactile/raised printing, and improved durability and machine readability.
Q: What is the polymer note experiment mentioned by SBP? The SBP is experimenting with an experimental polymer (plastic) note of one denomination to test the life of the note under local conditions. Polymer notes are plastic-based, more durable, and used by countries like Australia and the UK.
Q: When will new currency notes actually reach the public? The rollout is expected later in the year or early 2027 after printing and distribution begin. The exact timeline depends on when the federal cabinet approves the designs and how long PSPC takes to print the minimum required stock.
Final Thoughts
The SBP Governor’s January 26, 2026 confirmation marks a historic milestone for Pakistan’s monetary system , the first redesign of Pakistani currency notes since the current series launched in 2005. With designs finalized, cabinet approval the only remaining step, and the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) ready to begin printing 2–3 denominations simultaneously, the new notes are closer to reality than at any point in the past two decades.
The key messages for every Pakistani citizen are: your current notes are fully valid, the Rs. 5,000 note is not being discontinued, new notes will not arrive before Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, and the transition will be gradual and disruption-free. Stay informed through official SBP channels and do not believe anything circulating on WhatsApp or TikTok about currency changes.
Official Resources:
- SBP Official Website: sbp.org.pk
- SBP Call Centre: 111-727-111
- PSPC Official: pspc.com.pk
- PM Office Currency Updates: pmo.gov.pk
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