According to media reports, the State Bank of Pakistan is set to enforce a complete ban on currency notes marked or written on with ink pens, starting July 1, 2025.
The reported policy states that any banknote with pen marks will be considered invalid and will no longer be accepted by banks, financial institutions, or for commercial transactions.
The rationale behind this move, as per sources, is that pen markings not only damage the appearance and integrity of the currency but also make it easier for counterfeiters to manipulate and forge banknotes. To preserve the lifespan and security of currency notes, the public is being advised to avoid writing on notes with pens and instead, use pencils for temporary calculations, if needed.
Additionally, banks and financial institutions have reportedly been directed to reject any defaced notes with pen markings starting from the implementation date.
While the State Bank is said to be promoting this policy to raise public awareness and align with international standards, no official notification has been issued yet.
The central bank has urged the public to cooperate and respect the new guidelines to help maintain the integrity of Pakistan’s financial system.
