Currency Notes Printing Error Sparks Public Concern, SBP Oversight Questioned

A National Bank branch in Karachi has stirred public concern after it was found that newly distributed currency notes were printed on only one side, igniting discussions on social media.

A viral video depicting the discrepancy prompted the bank manager to confirm the arrival of cash shipments with one side printed and the other blank. While efforts are underway to gauge the extent of the issue within Rs. 1000 denomination bundles, the exact number of defective notes remains elusive.

Questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the central bank’s checking system, which appears to have overlooked faulty currency before its distribution to commercial banks. Subsequent investigation revealed bundles containing pairs of currency notes, all bearing the same irregular printing pattern.

The State Bank has launched an inquiry into the matter, with officials from both the National Bank and State Bank awaiting further details before issuing public statements.