With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, demand for fresh currency notes has surged across Pakistan, pushing open market prices significantly higher as many people struggle to obtain new notes from banks.
In open market, bundles of Rs100 notes worth Rs10,000 are being sold for Rs10,700 to Rs11,000, meaning buyers pay an additional Rs700 to Rs1,000 above face value.
As the final 10 days of Ramadan begin, preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 have accelerated across the country, increasing demand for crisp notes traditionally distributed as Eidi.
Difficulty Getting Notes from Banks
Many citizens report difficulties obtaining fresh currency notes from State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks, prompting them to turn to open market sellers for supply.
The bundle of Rs100 notes, whose original value is Rs10,000, is widely sold at higher prices as shopkeepers charge extra during the Eid season across markets nationwide.
Prices of Other Currency Bundles
In the same market, a bundle of Rs10 notes worth Rs1,000 is being sold for around Rs1,200 to Rs1,300 during the Eid shopping rush these days.
Similarly, bundles of fresh Rs50 notes, normally valued at Rs5,000, are being sold for about Rs5,500 to Rs6,000 in the open market ahead of Eid celebrations.
How to Get Fresh Currency Notes from Banks
- Send 13-digit CNIC and bank branch code via SMS to 8877.
- Receive reply SMS with transaction code and designated bank branch address.
- Visit the branch with original CNIC and photocopy for verification.
- Bank staff verify the code and provide packets of Rs10, Rs20, Rs50 notes.
Expected Date of Eid-ul-Fitr
Meanwhile, the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on March 19 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to collect testimonies regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon nationwide.
However, according to SUPARCO and meteorological experts, chances of sighting the moon on March 19 are considered very low across most parts of the country this year.
Experts therefore believe that the first day of Shawwal and Eid-ul-Fitr will most likely fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026 following moon sighting assessments by experts this year.
