Karachi: Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, when elders traditionally give “Eidi” to children, the procedure for obtaining fresh currency notes has been announced in Pakistan.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, a formal system has been introduced to help citizens obtain new and crisp currency notes for the festive occasion. The initiative aims to facilitate the public and curb the illegal sale of fresh notes in the open market at inflated prices.
How to obtain new notes
SMS registration:
Citizens need to type their 13-digit CNIC number on their mobile phone, add a space, then enter the code of their nearest bank branch and send the message to 8877.
Confirmation code
In response, they will receive an SMS containing a unique transaction code along with the address of the designated bank branch.
Collection:
Applicants must visit the assigned bank branch with their original CNIC and a photocopy. After verification, they will be provided with the required bundles of fresh currency notes.
The central bank has clarified that no additional fee is charged for this service.
Despite the official channels, many people still turn to the open market due to convenience or because bank quotas run out quickly. In the market, profiteers are charging extra money for fresh notes.
Rs10 notes: A bundle worth Rs1,000 is being sold for around Rs1,200–1,300.
Rs50 notes: A bundle worth Rs5,000 is available for about Rs5,500–6,000.
In Pakistan, the demand for Rs20 and Rs50 fresh notes is usually the highest during Eid, as children enjoy spending their Eidi on toys and sweets.
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