The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a statement regarding the availability of new currency notes for the upcoming Eidul Fitr.
The SBP confirmed that commercial banks have already begun distributing new banknotes to the public in preparation for the holiday.
In its statement, the SBP mentioned that it is working to ensure easy access to new notes for citizens through the extensive network of bank branches across the country.
To date, Rs27 billion worth of new notes have been supplied to the 17,000 branches of commercial banks during the ongoing month of Ramadan.
In addition, the SBP assured that ATMs across the country would dispense clean and standard new banknotes throughout the religious festival. Cash monitoring teams have been deployed to ensure that these notes are readily available.
Commercial banks will continue to provide new currency notes at their branches to ensure smooth availability for the public in time for Eid.
On the other hand, Eidul Fitr 2025 is expected to bring an extended holiday period in Pakistan, with many anticipating a break from March 29 to April 6, 2025.
Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, concludes with Eidul Fitr, a significant religious festival observed on the first day of Shawwal.
The exact date of eid is determined by the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, following Islamic tradition.
According to the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, Eidul Fitr in 2025 is likely to be observed on March 31. Experts predict that the crescent moon will be visible across most parts of Pakistan on the evening of March 30, as it is expected to be over 26 hours old, meeting the criteria for visibility.
Pakistanis are hopeful for a longer holiday this year, as the first three days of Eid are expected to fall from Monday to Wednesday, aligning with the weekend. There is speculation that the government may announce a five-day official holiday from March 29 to April 2.
If additional leave is granted on Thursday and Friday, the holiday period could extend to nine days, from March 29 to April 6.
However, the final schedule will depend on the official moon sighting announcement.
