SBP Reveals Shortlisted Designs for New Currency Notes, Honors Local Artists

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced the shortlisted designs for a new series of currency notes, set to range from Rs10 to Rs5,000 and expected to be issued by the end of this year. In a press release, the central bank expressed its admiration for the creativity of local artists who participated in the nationwide competition, and highlighted that international designers will now refine and finalize the designs.

The SBP’s new banknotes aim to reflect Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and progressive vision. The designs will feature prominent national figures such as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah. These initial submissions, crafted by Pakistani artists, will serve as the foundation for the final product.

In recognition of their outstanding work, several artists have been awarded prizes for their entries. Among the top winners are Dr. Shery Abidi, who won first place for the Rs10 note design, and Ms. Memoona Afzal, who secured the top prize for both the Rs100 and Rs5,000 designs.

The international designers will collaborate with the SBP to refine the local submissions, ensuring the final banknotes combine local creativity with global expertise. The SBP will host an award ceremony to honor the competition winners, with details to be announced later.

List of Selected Artists and Awards:

1. Dr Shery Abidi – Rs 10 (1st Prize)
2. Mr Mirza Sufiyan – Rs 10 (2nd Prize)
3. Mr Haroon Khan – Rs 20 (1st Prize)
4. Syed Fawad Hussain – Rs 50 (1st Prize)
5. Ms Memoona Afzal – Rs 100 & Rs 5000 (1st Prize)
6. Ms Hadiya Hassan – Rs 500 (1st Prize)
7. Ms Aynee Zahra – Rs 500 (2nd Prize)
8. Ms Noureen Aslam – Rs 1000 (1st Prize)
9. Mr Karim Muhammad – Rs 5000 (2nd Prize)