KARACHI : The launch of new design currency notes in Pakistan is likely to be delayed, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jamil Ahmed has confirmed.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, the governor revealed that although the designs of the proposed new notes were sent to the government for approval, they were returned to the central bank with a request for certain changes and further improvements.
“The State Bank is working on it, and the federal cabinet will give the final approval of the new note,” Jamil Ahmed said.
The governor did not provide a new timeline for the launch but acknowledged that the approval process is taking longer than initially expected.
In his address to traders, Jamil Ahmed also highlighted Pakistan’s economic trajectory. He noted a significant difference between the economic conditions of three years ago and today. However, he cautioned that despite recovery, many problems persist, including economic challenges stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Comparing trade indicators, the governor said there was an improvement in the opening of letters of credit in 2026 compared to 2023. He added that Pakistan’s average monthly imports currently exceed $5 billion, whereas three years ago, monthly imports averaged $3 billion.
