Currency notes of Pakistan

The currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), symbolized as ₨ or Re. It is subdivided into 100 paise, although paise coins are no longer legal tender since 2013. The State Bank of Pakistan has the sole right to issue banknotes.

Current Banknotes in Circulation:

There are currently seven denominations of banknotes in regular circulation in Pakistan:

* Rs 10: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on the back.

* Rs 20: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front and the Mohenjo-daro archaeological site on the back.

* Rs 50: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front and the Karakoram Range on the back.

* Rs 100: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front and the Quaid-e-Azam Residency in Ziarat on the back.

* Rs 500: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front. The older design featured the Faisal Mosque, while the newer design (with OVI - Optically Variable Ink) has a different floral pattern on the back.

* Rs 1000: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front and the Islamia College in Peshawar on the back.

* Rs 5000: Features a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the front and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad on the back.

Commemorative Banknotes:

In addition to the regular banknotes, the State Bank of Pakistan has also issued commemorative banknotes:

* Rs 5: Issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pakistan's independence.

* Rs 75: Two 75 Rupee banknotes have been issued. One was released on August 14, 2022, to mark the 75th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan, featuring portraits of key historical figures. The second was issued in July 2023 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the State Bank of Pakistan, featuring the State Bank building and wind turbines to promote green energy.

New Currency Notes:

The State Bank of Pakistan has announced that a new series of currency notes will be issued starting in the second half of 2025. These new banknotes will replace the existing ones gradually and will feature improved security features and new designs. An art competition was held in 2024 to gather innovative design ideas for this new series.

History of Pakistani Currency Notes:

* Following Pakistan's independence in 1947, Indian Rupee notes stamped with "Pakistan" were initially used.

* The first regular government-issued banknotes were introduced in 1948 in denominations of Re. 1, Rs. 5, Rs. 10, and Rs. 100.

* The State Bank of Pakistan took over the issuance of banknotes in 1953, introducing Rs. 2, Rs. 5, Rs. 10, and Rs. 100 notes.

* Over the years, new denominations like Rs. 50, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000, and Rs. 20 were introduced, while lower denominations like Rs. 1, Rs. 2, and Rs. 5 were eventually replaced by coins.

* The current banknote series was largely introduced in 2005 with the introduction of the Rs. 20 note, followed by other denominations.

Pakistani banknotes reflect the country's history, culture, and national identity through the portraits of its leaders and the depictions of important landmarks and symbols. The upcoming new series aims to modernize the currency with enhanced security features for the future.