FACT CHECK: Has State Bank banned currency notes with writing, pen marks?

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has denied reports claiming an official ban on currency notes bearing pen marks or handwriting will take effect from July 1.

Several reports on Thursday alleged that the SBP had issued a notification stating that any notes with handwriting or pen marks would no longer be accepted as legal tender after June 30. These reports also claimed that the public was being urged to deposit such notes in banks before the end of June.

However, in conversation with The Current, an SBP spokesperson categorically rejected the claim. “State Bank has not issued any such statement. This false news was posted on social media about 16 hours ago by an individual and has no basis in fact.”

The SBP official also urged media outlets to verify such claims before publishing.

“The public is advised to rely solely on official SBP sources for any announcements about currency regulations,” they added.