KARACHI, March 2026 – In a move blending enhanced security, cultural reaffirmation, and technological advancement, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched a comprehensively redesigned series of Pakistani Rupee (PKR) notes. This marks the first major currency overhaul in nearly a decade and is positioned as a strategic step towards a more secure and modern financial ecosystem.
Dubbed the “Quaid’s Vision Series” in honor of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the new banknotes are not merely aesthetic updates but a robust shield against counterfeiting. The SBP Governor, in a unveiling ceremony at the central bank’s headquarters, emphasized that the update is a proactive response to the sophisticated counterfeit operations emerging globally and regionally.
Core Features of the 2026 Series
-
Advanced Security Suite: The most significant upgrades are technological. The new notes feature:
-
Dynamic Colour-Shifting Ink: The denomination numerals on the obverse side now shift between green and blue when tilted, a feature difficult for even high-end printers to replicate.
-
Enhanced Polymer Substrate for Lower Denominations: The Rs. 20 and Rs. 50 notes have been permanently moved to polymer. They now include a transparent window with a intricate, laser-etched image of the Star and Crescent, making them more durable and secure.
-
RAISED Tactile Printing: Building on the 2020 series, raised printing patterns are more pronounced on specific areas, greatly assisting the visually impaired.
-
Motion-Based Security Thread: The thread woven into the paper notes (Rs. 100 and above) now exhibits a rolling-chariot effect and micro-text that becomes magnified under light.
-
-
Design & Cultural Narrative: While retaining the iconic portraits of Quaid-e-Azam and national heroes like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Allama Iqbal, the reverse sides have been revitalized.
-
Rs. 5000 Note: Features a detailed, modern rendering of the Karakoram Highway alongside the ancient Silk Road, symbolizing Pakistan’s role in connectivity.
-
Rs. 1000 Note: Highlights the IT & Startup Hub of Islamabad’s Blue Area and a subtle binary code pattern, acknowledging the digital economy.
-
Rs. 500 Note: Showcases the Mangroves of the Indus Delta, reflecting a strong national commitment to environmental conservation.
-
New Colour Palette: A more vibrant and distinct colour spectrum has been adopted to make differentiation between denominations instantaneous.
-
-
Digital Integration: In a forward-looking move, each note now bears a QR code in a non-intrusive corner. When scanned with the SBP’s official “Verify Note” app, it confirms authenticity and provides a brief educational snippet about the national monument or personality featured on the note.
Rationale and Phased Implementation
The SBP has outlined a clear, multi-year transition plan. The new notes will be released into circulation gradually through the banking channel, starting with the Rs. 100 and Rs. 1000 notes in Q2 2026. The older series will remain legal tender for a considerable period, ensuring no public inconvenience. The complete phase-in is expected by the end of 2027.
“This is not a demonetization,” clarified the SBP Governor. “It is a graceful upgrade. Our goals are triple-fold: to stay ahead of counterfeiters, to make our currency more user-friendly for all Pakistanis, including those with disabilities, and to visually narrate our journey as a nation—from our rich heritage to our future aspirations.”
Market and Public Response
Initial public reaction has been one of curiosity and approval. Banking analysts view this as a necessary step to maintain integrity in the cash-dominant economy. “This boosts confidence in the physical currency at a time when digital payments are rising,” commented a senior banking analyst. “It reaffirms the SBP’s commitment to the security of its monetary instruments.”
The “Quaid’s Vision Series 2026” ultimately represents Pakistan’s currency stepping confidently into the future. It promises to be a more secure, inclusive, and informative medium of exchange, carrying not just monetary value, but also a refreshed story of the nation’s identity and progress.