Eid gift: SMS service for fresh currency notes

KARACHI: A majority of people believe that the perfect gift for Eid is a fresh and crisp banknote. It is only around this time of year that there is a rush of fresh notes particularly of smaller denominations.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in collaboration with the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) has introduced an SMS service for the issuance of fresh currency notes to the general public, a statement said on Sunday.

Fresh notes will be available from nominated E-branches of commercial banks from July 8. Under this facility, a person will be required to send an SMS comprising CNIC number along with the desired bank branch code – ie CNIC number (space) branch code – to 8877.

Read: SBP announcement: Fresh notes distribution from June 25

Earlier, the SBP had announced that it will utilise the large branch network of commercial banks all over the country and the 16 field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation for distribution of fresh currency notes to the general public to meet their needs for Eidul Fitr celebrations.

It was earlier reported that under these arrangements, one packet each of Rs10, 20 and 50 notes will be issued to each member of general public while, fresh notes of Rs100 will be issued as per stock availability.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2015.