Demand for fresh currency notes Eid Pakistan has increased sharply as Eid-ul-Fitr approaches. Across the country, many people are searching for crisp notes to distribute as traditional Eid al-Fitr, causing prices in the open market to rise above face value.
In several markets, bundles of Rs100 notes worth Rs10,000 are reportedly being sold for Rs10,700 to Rs11,000. Buyers are therefore paying an additional Rs700 to Rs1,000 just to obtain new notes for Eid celebrations.
As the final ten days of Ramadan begin, preparations for Eid are intensifying nationwide. Families traditionally give children and relatives new currency notes as gifts, thereby increasing demand each year during this period.
Many citizens say they are finding it difficult to obtain fresh notes directly from commercial banks or through the State Bank of Pakistan. Because of limited supply at bank branches, some people turn to open market sellers who charge extra during the Eid season.
Shopkeepers in various markets offer bundles of new notes at a premium, especially for denominations commonly used for Eid al-Fitr, such as Rs10, Rs50, and Rs100 notes. Other denominations are also selling above their original value.
Read: Eid ul Fitr 2026 Date Pakistan: PMD Forecast on Shawwal Moon
Rs10 notes: A bundle worth Rs1,000 is selling for about Rs1,200 to Rs1,300. Rs50 notes: Bundles normally worth Rs5,000 are reportedly selling for Rs5,500 to Rs6,000.
The price increase reflects seasonal demand as families prepare gifts for children and relatives during Eid gatherings.
How to Get Fresh Currency Notes from Banks
People can still request fresh notes through a simple SMS service introduced by the central bank.
Steps to obtain fresh currency notes:
- Send your 13-digit CNIC number and bank branch code via SMS to 8877.
- You will receive a reply message containing a transaction code and the designated bank branch address.
- Visit the branch with your original CNIC and a photocopy for verification.
- Bank staff will verify the code and provide packets of Rs 10, Rs 20, and Rs 50 notes, depending on availability.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet on March 19 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to collect testimonies on moon-sighting for Shawwal. However, experts from SUPARCO and meteorological authorities suggest that the chances of seeing the moon on that date are low in most parts of Pakistan.
Based on current assessments, experts believe Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 may fall on Saturday, March 21, subject to official confirmation of moon-sighting.
