Has the State Bank of Pakistan Released New Currency Notes with Fresh Designs?
A fake PKR 1,000 currency note has gone viral across Pakistan, with social media posts claiming the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released a redesigned note with advanced security features. The hoax, fueled by a blog post and doctored images, garnered over 10 million views in just 24 hours on platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The SBP swiftly denied these claims on June 26, 2025, confirming no new PKR 1,000 note has been issued, urging citizens to rely on official sources to avoid misinformation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rumor | Redesigned PKR 1,000 note with modern security features and new design |
| Source of Rumor | Viral social media posts and a blog article, amplified by fake images |
| Official Status | False; no new PKR 1,000 note issued, confirmed by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) |
| SBP Statement | Issued June 26, 2025, denying any new note issuance |
| Impact | Over 10 million views in 24 hours; public confusion and fake prints circulated |
| Verification Source | sbp.org.pk, DawnNewsTV, TechJuice |
What Sparked the Rumor?
- Viral Blog Post: On June 20, 2025, a blog called PakFinanceDaily published an article falsely claiming the SBP had launched a new PKR 1,000 note with holographic strips and a modern design. The unverified post spread rapidly, misleading readers.
- Fake Images: Social media users shared color printouts of a supposed new note, featuring fictional designs like a Markhor emblem and UV-reactive patterns. One user admitted to creating the design in 2024 as a personal project, not an official note, further fueling confusion.
- Economic Context: With petrol prices at PKR 258.43/liter, gold at PKR 357,500/tola, and recent oil and gas reserve discoveries, public interest in financial news is high, making such rumors believable.
SBP’s Official Response
- On June 26, 2025, the SBP issued a statement on sbp.org.pk: “The viral PKR 1,000 note is fake. No new currency note has been issued. Official announcements will come through SBP channels only.”
- The central bank emphasized that any new note issuance, like the planned 2025 series for other denominations, requires federal cabinet approval and a public rollout plan, none of which apply here.
- DawnNewsTV reported that the SBP is working with cyber authorities to trace the hoax’s origin, warning of legal action under Section 489-B of the Pakistan Penal Code for spreading counterfeit images.
Why the Confusion?
- Social Media Surge: The fake note’s images, viewed over 10 million times, spread rapidly due to unverified sharing, especially in rural areas with limited access to credible news.
- Misinformation Trend: Similar hoaxes, like a fake PKR 5,000 note rumor earlier this month, exploit public trust amid economic challenges (45% poverty rate, PKR 283.91/USD).
- Previous SBP Plans: The SBP’s 2024 announcement of a new currency series (PKR 10–5,000) with enhanced security features, set for late 2025, may have lent credibility to the rumor, despite no specific PKR 1,000 redesign being confirmed.
What It Means for Pakistanis
- Consumers: Verify currency with UV scanners or at banks. Current PKR 1,000 notes remain valid. Avoid sharing unverified images to prevent scams.
- Businesses: Retailers should check high-value notes carefully, as fake prints may circulate post-rumor. Report suspicious notes to the SBP or police.
- Investors: Ignore currency redesign rumors affecting markets. Focus on real economic developments, like the USD 50–100 billion oil and gas reserves discovery.
Final Word
The viral PKR 1,000 note is a hoax, debunked by the SBP. A misleading blog and fake images caused widespread confusion, but no new note exists.
Disclaimer: Based on June 28, 2025, data from SBP, DawnNewsTV, and TechJuice. Verify details at sbp.org.pk for accuracy, as misinformation may continue.
