Recently, social media platforms have been flooded with viral claims about the launch of new Pakistani currency notes in 2025, featuring redesigned denominations, polymer trials, and enhanced security features. These unverified reports spread confusion among millions of people.
However, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially debunked these rumors, confirming that there are no plans to issue new notes in 2025. The current series of notes Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 — remain valid. This article highlights the SBP’s statement, exposes fake news circulating online, and shares tips to help you avoid scams.
Official SBP Statement: No New Notes in 2025
On August 15, 2025, the SBP released an official statement via its website, clarifying:
- No proposal exists for a redesigned series or polymer notes.
- Current notes (introduced between 2005–2008) remain valid legal tender.
- Rumors of cabinet approval, new designs, or July 2025 rollout are false.
According to SBP spokesperson Noor Ahmed (reported by dailytimes.com.pk), all claims of new designs or polymer trials are baseless.
The SBP also confirmed it is working with cyber authorities to trace the source of misinformation, which included a fake Rs. 1,000 polymer note video that received over 10 million TikTok views.
Fake Claims Circulating on Social Media
Misinformation on WhatsApp, TikTok, and X (Twitter) fueled the false narrative of a 2025 currency overhaul. Here are the main fake claims debunked by SBP:
| Fake Claim | SBP Clarification |
|---|---|
| Redesigned Notes with landmarks (Badshahi Mosque, K2, Minar-e-Pakistan, etc.) | No such designs exist. |
| Polymer Rs. 100 note with UV maps & nano-poetry | SBP has no polymer plans. |
| Advanced holographic, metallic, and micro-optic security | Current notes already have strong security features. |
| Nationwide Art Competition in 2024 produced new note designs | The contest was only for thematic ideas, not designs. |
| Pre-order offers & collector hype | All scams; no SBP-backed rollout. |
Why the Confusion?
The rumors gained momentum due to:
- Viral Fake Videos: A counterfeit Rs. 1,000 note video reached millions on TikTok.
- Misinterpreted SBP Art Competition: A 2024 competition for thematic concepts was wrongly seen as a redesign project.
- Counterfeit Concerns: Pakistan loses PKR 2 billion annually to fake notes (samaa.tv), making redesign rumors believable.
- Unverified Sources: Fake articles cited “SBP insiders” without evidence.
How to Stay Safe from Currency Scams
To protect yourself from misinformation and fraud:
- ✅ Verify with SBP: Always confirm via sbp.org.pk or SBP’s official X handle @StateBank_Pak.
- ✅ Inspect Notes: Use SBP’s mobile app and UV tools to check watermarks and threads.
- ✅ Avoid Pre-Orders: Any seller claiming to “pre-order” new notes is running a scam.
- ✅ Report Fake News: Call the SBP helpline (111-727-273) or flag fake posts.
- ✅ Stay Updated: Follow SBP’s announcements instead of WhatsApp forwards.
Current Currency Status
The following denominations remain valid:
- Rs. 10
- Rs. 20
- Rs. 50
- Rs. 100
- Rs. 500
- Rs. 1,000
- Rs. 5,000
These were introduced between 2005 and 2008 and remain legal tender.
Recently, the SBP issued a Rs. 75 commemorative coin for Independence Day, highlighting its focus on special releases rather than a full-scale redesign.
FAQs About Pakistani Currency Notes 2025
1. Is Pakistan introducing new currency notes in 2025?
No. The SBP has confirmed that there are no plans for new notes in 2025.
2. What denominations are currently valid in Pakistan?
All existing notes — Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 — remain valid.
3. Are the viral videos of polymer notes real?
No. These are fabricated videos circulating on TikTok and WhatsApp.
4. What should I do if someone offers to sell new notes?
Avoid such scams immediately. Report them to SBP or relevant cyber authorities.
Conclusio
The State Bank of Pakistan has made it clear: there will be no new currency notes in 2025. Viral claims of redesigned denominations, polymer notes, and advanced security features are completely false. The current notes remain valid, and citizens should rely only on official SBP sources for updates. By staying informed and cautious, Pakistanis can protect themselves from fraudsters and misinformation campaigns.
