SBP Urges Official Channels for Eid New Currency Notes
State Bank warns citizens against black market purchases as Pakistan prepares for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 new currency distribution through banks, SMS service, and SBP offices nationwide.
Pakistan’s central bank has advised citizens to obtain new currency notes for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 only through official banking channels, warning against black market vendors charging inflated prices during the festive season.
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Demand for crisp currency notes traditionally rises sharply during Eid-ul-Fitr, when families gift small denominations to children and relatives in a cultural tradition known as “Eidi.” According to central bank officials, organised distribution through banks ensures equitable access and prevents hoarding by middlemen who later sell notes at higher prices.
The central bank said one of the primary official methods to obtain new notes is the 8877 SMS service, which is typically activated during the second week of Ramadan. Citizens can send their national identity card number followed by the bank branch code to the short code 8877.
After submitting the request, applicants receive a reply message containing a unique transaction code and details of the branch where the notes can be collected. Individuals must then visit the designated branch with their original Computerised National Identity Card and a photocopy to verify the code before receiving the currency packets.
Banks usually provide small denomination notes including Rs10, Rs20, and Rs50 in fixed packets to maintain fairness in distribution. Officials say the digital request system helps regulate demand across different cities while preventing overcrowding at bank branches.
The State Bank introduced the SMS-based distribution system more than a decade ago to streamline Eid currency issuance and reduce reliance on informal markets. According to central bank guidance issued in previous years, each CNIC is typically eligible for a limited number of packets to ensure wider public access.
Pakistan’s banking sector has expanded significantly in recent years, with digital banking users surpassing 127 million accounts, according to the State Bank’s latest payment systems review. Officials say the expansion of digital services has also improved the efficiency of public communication and service delivery during seasonal financial operations.
In cases where the SMS service experiences heavy demand or technical delays, citizens may also contact the commercial bank where they maintain an account. Many banks distribute limited quantities of new notes directly to their account holders during Ramadan.
Banking officials said branches often prioritise existing customers to maintain orderly distribution and prevent overcrowding. The system also helps banks verify identity records quickly through existing customer databases.
Apart from commercial banks, State Bank Banking Services Corporation offices also provide new currency notes directly to the public. Major centres in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta typically issue fresh notes on a first-come, first-served basis during Ramadan.
Towards the final ten days of Ramadan, many banks also load relatively new Rs500 and Rs1,000 denomination notes into automated teller machines to facilitate larger Eid gift withdrawals. However, these higher denominations are generally not distributed through the SMS packet system.
Pakistan’s currency circulation has expanded steadily in recent years due to population growth and rising cash usage. According to the State Bank’s annual report, currency in circulation exceeded Rs9 trillion in fiscal year 2025, reflecting continued reliance on cash transactions across the economy.
Financial analysts note that seasonal spikes in currency demand occur during religious festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. The central bank therefore increases logistical coordination with commercial banks and regional SBP offices during Ramadan to maintain smooth supply.
Authorities have also warned citizens to report illegal sales of fresh notes in open markets. Vendors often acquire large quantities through intermediaries and resell them at significantly higher prices before Eid.
Officials say strict monitoring and public cooperation remain essential to prevent such practices and ensure fair distribution of new currency notes across the country.
The State Bank of Pakistan reiterated that citizens should rely solely on banks, the official SMS service, or SBP Banking Services Corporation offices to obtain new currency notes ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr 2026.