Islamabad, Mar 24, 2025: As Eid ul-Fitr 2025 draws near, the demand for crisp new currency notes skyrockets. Families eagerly seek fresh bills to distribute as Eidi, a cherished tradition that brings joy, especially to children.
However, getting new notes can sometimes be a challenge due to high demand and limited supply.
Easy Process to Obtain Fresh Notes
Acquiring new currency notes is relatively simple, provided banks have sufficient stock.
According to bank officials, customers need to visit their respective bank branches with a copy of their CNIC.
If fresh notes are available, they are issued on the spot. However, availability varies depending on the allocation received from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Role of the State Bank in Issuing New Notes
Many people assume that commercial banks request a specific amount of new notes from the SBP, but this is not the case.
The central bank independently determines the quantity of fresh currency to be issued and distributes it accordingly.
“The State Bank decides the allocation for each bank, and we can only distribute what we receive.
If the SBP does not issue new notes in a particular year, commercial banks cannot request additional stock,” explained a banking official.
Limited Supply and Distribution Challenges
Due to overwhelming demand, new currency notes often run out quickly.
Banking sources indicate that fresh notes are usually supplied around mid-Ramadan, but they are often depleted within days.
“This year, banks received fresh currency notes by the 15th of Ramadan, and they were exhausted soon after,” a banker shared.
Previously, the SBP facilitated the direct issuance of fresh notes to the public via an SMS-based token system.
Customers could send a message to a designated code and collect their allotted notes from specified branches.
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However, this system has been discontinued. Now, individuals must visit their respective banks with their CNIC to obtain new currency.
How Are Notes Allocated to Banks?
The SBP provides commercial banks with a fixed number of new note bundles. Typically, a branch receives:
- 8 to 10 bundles of Rs 10 notes
- 3 to 4 bundles of Rs 100 notes
- 1 to 2 bundles of Rs 20 notes
- Limited stock of Rs 50 notes
Each bundle consists of 10 packets, meaning a bank branch may receive between 80 to 100 bundles.
Given the high demand, managing distribution fairly becomes challenging.
How Much Can a Customer Withdraw?
To ensure fair distribution, most banks set a withdrawal limit of Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,000 per customer. This typically includes a mix of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, and Rs 100 denominations.
Customers are advised to visit their banks early to secure fresh notes before stocks run out.
With Eid approaching, those looking to obtain new currency should plan ahead and check with their banks for availability
. Ensuring timely visits can help secure crisp notes to enhance the festive joy of Eid ul-Fitr 2025.
