The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a new and important rule. From July 2025, any banknote or prize bond that has pen writing, stamps, or any kind of marks on it will not be acceptable. This means you will not be able to use such currency in the market, banks, or for prize claims. This rule is for everyone in Pakistan, including shopkeepers, banks, money exchangers, and the public. The goal of this decision is to protect the quality of money, stop fraud, and make currency handling easier. SBP
The SBP is now asking people to be careful and to never write anything on currency notes or prize bonds.
Why the Ban Was Needed
In Pakistan, many people write things on banknotes, such as:
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Mobile numbers
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Names or initials
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Religious quotes
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Price tags or shop details
These writings may seem small or harmless, but they damage the appearance of money and can be misused by fraudsters. Often, notes with writing are hard to check for realness, and prize bonds with pen marks are refused during prize claims.
The SBP has decided that enough is enough. From July 1, 2025, such notes and bonds will not be usable.
| Item | Writing Allowed? | Risk After July 2025 | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banknotes | ❌ Not Allowed | High | Keep clean and write-free |
| Prize Bonds | ❌ Not Allowed | Very High | Never write anything on it |
| Cheques | ✅ Allowed | Low | Fill carefully when needed |
| Shopping Receipts | ✅ Allowed | None | OK to write on |
What Will Happen After July 2025?
After July 2025, if you try to use or exchange any banknote or prize bond that has pen writing or markings:
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Shops may reject it
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Banks will not accept it
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Prize bond offices will cancel it
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You may lose money
SBP Instructions to Banks and Dealers
The State Bank has also issued orders to all banks, money exchangers, and prize bond dealers. These include:
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Do not accept any note or bond with pen marks from July 2025.
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Inform all customers about this rule. State Bank Of Pakistan
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Check all notes carefully before giving them to customers.
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Educate people to keep their money clean. SBP
The SBP may also take action against those who ignore these orders.
How This Affects You
This ban affects every citizen of Pakistan. Whether you are a:
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Shopkeeper
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Teacher
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Student
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Business owner
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Farmer
You must protect your money and avoid writing anything on it. If someone gives you a note with writing on it, try to exchange it at a bank before July 2025.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make these mistakes:
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Writing phone numbers on notes
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Signing the back of a prize bond
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Writing prices on currency notes
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Stamping notes with shop names
All these are now strictly not allowed. After July 2025, even small markings can make the note or bond invalid.
What If I Already Have Marked Notes?
If you already have notes or bonds with writing on them:
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Do it before July 2025.
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After that, the bank may refuse them.
Try to handle all future notes with care and keep them clean and safe.
Prize Bonds and Writing – A Serious Problem
Many people write:
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Their CNIC number
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Their name
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Dates
on the back of prize bonds to show ownership. But now, this is a big mistake. Prize bond offices will no longer accept such bonds for claims. So, it’s best to store bonds in a safe place, and never write anything on them. SBP
Why This Step is Good for Pakistan
This decision by SBP is a positive step for the country. Here’s why:
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Clean notes are easy to check for security.
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It helps reduce fake currency. SBP
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It protects people from fraud and scams.
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It makes prize bond processing faster and safer.
Clean, ink-free currency shows respect for the country and helps keep the economy strong.
Public Responsibility
Everyone in Pakistan must now follow this rule. Here’s what you can do:
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Tell your family and friends about this new law.
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Stop the habit of writing on money.
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Educate shopkeepers and customers.
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If you receive a note with writing, exchange it quickly.
What SBP Has Officially Said
The State Bank has issued this official message:
“Starting from July 1, 2025, all currency notes and prize bonds with any form of pen writing, signature, or marking will be considered unfit for use and may not be accepted.”
This is a clear message that no markings of any kind will be allowed on money anymore.
Conclusion
The decision by the State Bank of Pakistan to ban writing on banknotes and prize bonds from July 2025 is a step toward cleaner money, less fraud, and better financial security. Every citizen should now understand the importance of handling currency with care. Writing on money is not only harmful, but from July 2025, it will also result in rejection of that money.
FAQs
What will happen if I use a note with writing after July 2025?
Banks and shops may reject it, and you may not be able to use or exchange it.
Is it okay to write my name on a prize bond for safety?
No. Writing on prize bonds is not allowed and may cancel your prize claim.
Can I exchange marked notes before July 2025?
Yes, you can visit your bank and exchange them before the new rule starts.
Why is this rule being implemented?
To reduce fake notes, keep currency clean, prevent fraud, and improve the money system in Pakistan.