Business Desk 
Mar 16, 2025
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is unlikely to issue fresh currency notes for Eid ul Fitr 2025, continuing a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In previous years, SBP issued millions of rupees in fresh notes ahead of Eid. However, since the pandemic, this practice has been discontinued, leaving many to rely on old and worn-out notes for festive celebrations.
While the central bank has yet to make an official announcement, the prospect of the distribution of fresh notes this year has low expectations.
The lack of new notes might push individuals towards the black market, where currency traders usually sell new banknotes at higher prices during the festive season. In previous years, scarcity resulted in a boom in the illegal exchange of new notes, with customers willing to pay a premium to receive crisp notes for Eid celebrations.
When is Eid ul Fitr?
Eid ul Fitr is likely to be on March 30, 2025, as it concludes Ramadan and begins Shawwal. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will determine the date, as announced based on the sighting of the moon. It is indicated that Pakistanis may have a longer holiday season, as is possible from March 29 to April 6, 2025.
