Fresh currency notes for Eid-ul-Fitr have started circulating across Pakistan, but some traders are selling them at black-market rates far above face value, ignoring assurances from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) that notes would be easily accessible through official channels.
Market sources confirmed that shopkeepers and street vendors in major cities have set up stalls and handcarts selling bundles of new notes at significantly higher prices. For instance:
- A bundle of Rs. 10 notes worth Rs. 1,000 is being sold for Rs. 1,500–1,600.
- Old Rs. 10 notes are going for Rs. 1,300–1,400 per bundle.
- Bundles of Rs. 20 notes valued at Rs. 2,000 are selling for over Rs. 2,500.
- Twenty Rs. 50 notes are priced at Rs. 1,300–1,400.
- Ten new Rs. 100 notes are being sold for approximately Rs. 1,400–1,500.
Authorities caution citizens against purchasing notes from unauthorized sellers. Fresh currency should only be obtained through official bank branches or ATMs, following SBP procedures. The central bank continues to distribute billions of rupees in new notes nationwide and has announced monitoring teams to ensure fair access.
The SBP has also set up a helpline for public guidance: info@sbp.org.pk or +92-21-111-727-273, with official updates available at www.sbp.org.pk.
Officials emphasized that buying from black-market vendors not only inflates costs but also violates banking regulations, with legal action possible against offenders.
