By S.M. Inam
KARACHI: The federal government has decided to introduce new currency notes with enhanced security features and improved security threads. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Cabinet members were informed that the redesigned notes will be issued in denominations of Rs100, Rs500, Rs1,000, and Rs5,000.
Officials said the new banknotes will include advanced security threads and modern features. The designs will reflect Pakistan’s regional and geographical diversity, its historical landmarks, and the contributions of women to national development. Key social themes, including climate change, will also be highlighted.
A cabinet statement said a committee has been formed to deliberate on the new designs. State Bank of Pakistan Deputy Governor Saleemullah said the notes are expected to be issued between November and December 2026. He added that the cabinet will give formal approval for the new currency in the coming months.
The cabinet also directed the draft of the Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030, presented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, to be referred to the Hajj Policy Committee. The draft concerns the registration and scrutiny of private Hajj operators through a third party and will be reviewed in light of cabinet members’ views.
The meeting also endorsed decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Energy on 24 December last year and approved decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee on 23 December.
