Once again this Eid ul-Fitr, Pakistanis may not be able to get fresh new banknotes, whether for giving Eidi to their children or for any other purposes, as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to maintain its stance of not issuing new currency notes for Eid ul-Fitr 2025, a practice halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past, the SBP would release millions of rupees in fresh banknotes ahead of Eid to meet public demand. However, since the onset of the pandemic, this tradition has been abandoned, forcing people to use older, worn-out notes for the festive occasion.
Though no official statement has been made by the central bank, there is little hope for the availability of fresh notes this year.
The unavailability of new notes may drive people towards the black market, where fresh currency is often sold at inflated rates during Eid. In previous years, this scarcity created a surge in illegal trading, with people willing to pay extra for crisp, new banknotes to use during celebrations.
Eid ul-Fitr is expected to fall on March 30, 2025, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. The exact date will be confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee based on the moon sighting.
Pakistanis may enjoy extended holidays from March 29 to April 6, 2025, depending on the official announcement.
