As Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 approaches, citizens in Pakistan are preparing to obtain new currency notes for gifting during the festive season. The State Bank of Pakistan has advised people to avoid buying notes from black market vendors at inflated prices and to rely solely on official channels. Authorities stressed that following proper procedures ensures safe and lawful access to new notes ahead of the holiday.
The central bank has confirmed that arrangements for issuing new currency notes will be finalised by the end of February 2026. With Eid expected around March 20, citizens are encouraged to submit requests early to avoid last-minute difficulties and prevent unnecessary dependence on unofficial sources.
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One official method to obtain notes is the 8877 SMS service, usually activated in the second week of Ramadan. Citizens can send their national identity card number followed by the desired bank branch code to 8877. A reply SMS provides a unique transaction code and branch details for collecting the new notes in person.
After receiving the SMS code, individuals must visit the specified bank branch with their original CNIC and a copy. Bank staff verify the code, and citizens generally receive packets of 10, 20, and 50 rupee notes. This ensures a fair and organised distribution system across different cities and branches.
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In case of high traffic on the 8877 service, citizens can directly contact their bank branch where they hold an account. Most commercial banks provide limited quantities of new notes, often prioritising existing customers, to ensure smooth access while maintaining transparency.
Additionally, State Bank Banking Services Corporation offices in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad provide new notes on a first-come, first-served basis. Towards the last ten days of Ramadan, many banks also load newer 500 and 1,000 rupee notes into ATMs, allowing convenient access for larger Eid gifts. Authorities reminded citizens to report any illegal sale of notes and rely only on official channels.