SBP issues clarification on new banknote series art competition

The State Bank of Pakistan recently held an art competition for new currency note designs, with Haroon Khan’s Rs20 note winning. The competition aimed to engage local artists and appreciate their efforts. The winning design focused on religious diversity, but some misunderstood this as promoting a particular religion. The winning designs are not final, as international firms will design the new series, with proposals due by December 2024. The final designs will be approved by the SBP Board and the federal government by January 2025, after which printing will begin. The competition was meant to support artists and involve the public in the design process.