State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a statement of the availability of new currency notes for the upcoming Eidul Fitr.
SBP confirmed that commercial banks have already begun to distribute new banknotes to the public in preparation for the holidays.
In its statement, SBP mentioned that it is working to ensure easy access to new notes for citizens through the extensive network of banking branches across the country.
To date, RS27 billion has worth of new notes delivered to the 17,000 branches of business banks during the current month Ramadan.
In addition, SBP assured that ATMs across the country would dispense clean and standard new banknotes throughout the religious festival. The cash monitoring team has been implemented to ensure that these notes are easily accessible.
Commercial banks will continue to provide new currency notes on their branches to ensure even accessibility to the public in time to Eid.
On the other hand, Eidul Fitr 2025 is expected to bring an extended holiday period in Pakistan, with many expecting a break from March 29 to April 6, 2025.
Ramadan, the Islamic month of firm, prayer and reflection, ends with Eidul Fitr, a significant religious festival observed on the first day of Shawwal.
The exact date of Eid is determined at the sight of Shawwal Crescent Moon by Islamic tradition.
According to Ruet-E-Hilal Research Council, Eidul Fitr is probably observed in 2025 on March 31. Experts predict that the crescent moon will be visible across most parts of Pakistan on the evening of March 30, as expected to be over 26 hours old, meet the criteria for visibility.
Pakistanis are hoping for a longer holiday this year as the first three days of Eid are expected to fall from Monday to Wednesday and adapt to the weekend. There is speculation that the government can announce a five-day official holiday from March 29 to April 2.
If additional leave is awarded on Thursday and Friday, the holiday period could extend to nine days from March 29 to April 6.
However, the final schedule depends on the official moon’s observation message.
