In a move that merges art, national pride, and financial security, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday revealed potential designs for new currency notes across all denominations. The designs, submitted by citizens in an art competition organized by the SBP, were shortlisted after an extensive evaluation process. The competition aimed to bring fresh artistic interpretations to Pakistan’s currency while celebrating local talent.
Winners of the Currency Design Competition
Among the noteworthy winners were:
- Rs 10 denomination:
1st Prize: Shery Abidi
2nd Prize: Mirza Sufiyan - Rs 20 denomination:
1st Prize: Haroon Khan - Rs 50 denomination:
1st Prize: Syed Fawad Hussain - Rs 100 denomination:
1st Prize: Memoona Afzal - Rs 500 denomination:
1st Prize: Hadiya Hassan
2nd Prize: Aynee Zahra - Rs 1000 denomination:
1st Prize: Noureen Aslam - Rs 5000 denomination:
1st Prize: Memoona Afzal
2nd Prize: Karim Muhammad
The SBP, in a statement, expressed its gratitude to the participants for showcasing their creativity and talent. “We appreciate the local artists and designers who participated in this important endeavor. The creativity of our citizens has been instrumental in reflecting our nation’s heritage through these designs,” the statement read.
Design Evaluation and Collaboration
The designs were evaluated by a committee comprising esteemed experts in relevant fields, who shortlisted the best submissions. These shortlisted designs, however, remain suggestive in nature. They will serve as a foundation for international designers who have been commissioned by the SBP to collaborate with the bank in finalizing the new currency series.
“The international designers, while drawing inspiration from the local art submissions, will have the freedom to employ their own expertise and imagination to finalize the designs,” the SBP clarified. This collaborative process aims to combine the authenticity of local art with global design techniques to create a series of banknotes that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also secure.
A Reflection of Pakistan’s Rich Heritage
One of the primary objectives of the new currency design project is to reflect Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and its progressive vision. The SBP emphasized that the final designs will be a blend of local inspiration and international craftsmanship, resulting in currency that represents the nation’s identity in a meaningful way.
“The State Bank of Pakistan is committed to ensuring that the new banknotes reflect our country’s cultural diversity, history, and modernity, paying tribute to both the past and the future,” the SBP’s statement noted.
Prize Awards
In recognition of their contribution to this significant national project, all the winners will be awarded prize money, as per the SBP’s earlier announcement. The bank hopes that this effort will inspire future generations of artists and designers to participate in similar national projects and continue showcasing Pakistan’s rich artistic talent.
Looking Ahead
While the designs unveiled are suggestive, they set the tone for the future currency of Pakistan, which will be imbued with modern security features and artistic richness. The SBP plans to release the new banknotes once the international designers finalize the designs. These new notes will not only symbolize the nation’s pride but will also enhance the security and durability of Pakistan’s currency.
The final currency series, once released, is expected to be a source of national pride and a representation of Pakistan’s vibrant culture, its aspirations, and its artistic depth.
As the process moves forward, citizens eagerly await the launch of the new banknote series, which will carry the essence of both local and international artistic vision.
