IN THIS POST
– Security Features of Pakistan Currency
– How to Identify Fake Currency in Pakistan
– State Bank of Pakistan Mobile App
UPDATE (Nov. 9, 2021): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) debunked fake news about design change of currency notes via its official social media accounts this week.
“Some fake news regarding new designs of currency notes is circulating on the social media,” the SBP tweeted. “The State Bank of Pakistan categorically denies the news and clarifies that no such proposal is under consideration at the moment.”
Some fake news regarding new designs of currency notes is circulating on social media. #SBP categorically denies the news and clarifies that no such proposal is under consideration at the moment. pic.twitter.com/Dnt1Yb3QRP
— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) November 8, 2021
Have you ever suspected you’re being handed a fake 1000 rupee note in Pakistan but have no clue how to actually verify its authenticity? The best way to identify fake currency is to quickly check its security features and ensure they fulfil the conditions shared by the State Bank of Pakistan. Since it is mostly the 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 rupee banknotes that are counterfeited, you must be a lot more careful while accepting a 5000 rupee note compared to a 10 rupee note.
So, how do you spot counterfeit money on the go? Let’s find out.
Security Features of Banknotes in Pakistan
In order to identify counterfeit money in Pakistan, you must learn about the most notable security features of genuine banknotes.
- A portrait of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Sherwani appears at the obverse left of each banknote
- The denomination of the banknote appears in digits below the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam
- A window security thread is partially embedded into the paper of the banknote. It runs from top to bottom on the front left side. The denomination numeral can be seen in the thread
Front of the Note
- The pattern on the notes has been etched into the coated surface instead of being printed, which results in a slightly raised outline.
- The watermark portrait of Quaid-e-Azam is present on the right side of the currency
- The denomination numerals on the obverse left top and reverse right top hold perfectly against the transmitted light
- The anti-scan and anti-copy line patterns on the note make it impossible for anyone to scan or photocopy the exact note
- A partially embedded window security thread runs from top to bottom on the front left side of the currency. It changes colours when viewed against regular and ultra-violet lights.
- The right side of the note bears its year of production
- The geometric design appears at the front of the note
- The denomination numeral appears in Urdu on the right and left top of the note and in English on the right bottom of the note
- Intaglio lines appear at extreme left and right corners of the banknote
Back of the Note
- More decorative patterns adorn the backside of the currency
- Each banknote has a different image on its back. You can find out more about the colour and depiction on the back of every currency note in Pakistan here.
- The words “State Bank of Pakistan” appear at the top of the note
- The value in of banknote in words appears at the bottom of the note
- Micro lettering denomination numeral is present at the left of the note along with geometrical patterns
- The ‘State Bank of Pakistan’ seal can be seen at the left bottom of the note
Tips to Identify Fake Currency in Pakistan
Just like protecting our online banking details, we also need to make sure we don’t end up accepting a fake banknote.
Here are some easy tips to identify the counterfeit currency in Pakistan.
The Paper
Unlike regular paper, the one used to create banknotes can never split at the edges. It can also never split in two like tissue paper.
Although genuine currency may shred due to mishandling, you will never see it split. On the other hand, most counterfeiters print two sides of fake notes in Pakistan and glue them together to add a forged security thread in the middle, which eventually results in the two sides of the note separating after a while.
Security Thread
As mentioned above, each banknote has a partially embedded security thread running from top to bottom on the front left side of the note that cannot be pulled out. This thread appears complete and unbroken when held against transmitted light. However, if you place the note on a horizontal surface, the thread will appear uneven or interrupted. This is a huge tell-tale sign that can help you identify fake currency.
The Watermark
A portrait of Quaid-e-Azam is present on the front left side of each banknote as a watermark. This watermark isn’t printed on the note. Instead, the thickness of the paper has been cut and scratched to form the shape. If you place the note on an even surface, you will be able to see a faint white outline around the watermark and when you hold it against transmitted light you will be able to view the currency denomination on the portrait.
You can also test whether the currency is counterfeit by rubbing the surface over the watermark between your fingers. If you can feel the texture change beneath your skin, it means the note is likely genuine. However, if the watermark area feels smooth and even, refrain from accepting it.
The Ink
The currency in Pakistan is printed using specialized ink that doesn’t smudge or smear even if the note gets wet.
Meanwhile, the ink on the fake notes will smudge rather easily if they get wet. So, one of the easiest ways to spot counterfeit money is by putting a drop of water anywhere on its surface and rubbing it gently. If the ink comes off, the note is bogus.
Colour of the Note
The colour of the currency in Pakistan is also an important factor.
You must remember that genuine notes do not change their colours when viewed under ultraviolet or black light. On the other hand, fake banknotes in Pakistan tend to change their colours and even glow when passed under UV lights.
Flags on Currency Notes
The flags appearing on the 500, 1,000 and 5,000 banknotes will change their colour when held at varying angles. If they don’t, the currency is most likely fake and should not be accepted.
This is one of the most important security features of banknotes in Pakistan.
Intaglio Printing
Intaglio printing is different from regular printing. Instead of an image being printed on the surface of the paper with ink, the design in intaglio printing is scratched and etched into the coated paper, giving it a raised and uneven surface.
To identify the fake currency in Pakistan, you must trace the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam with your fingertips. If the outer line of the watermark on the front side feels rough, the note is likely genuine. However, if it feels smooth or rough on both sides, it is counterfeit.
Another way to check the authenticity of the note is to hold it against transmitted lights and look for any perforation marks along the edges of the watermark because counterfeiters often prick the note from the back with microneedles to make the surface feel rough.
Denomination in Urdu
The Urdu denomination is printed on the top left side on the front of the currency. If you place it on a horizontal surface, you will only be able to see incomplete figures. However, you will be able to see complete figures if you hold the note against transmitted light.
Mobile App to Identify Fake Currency
The State Bank of Pakistan has also introduced a smartphone application to guide the citizens about the security features of notes. To facilitate the people, the app features information on how to identify fake notes in Pakistan in both Urdu and English languages.
The app “Pakistani Banknotes” is available to download for free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
To conclude, you must be very careful while accepting banknotes in bigger denominations and must always do a quick check to ensure they are genuine. In case someone manages to trick you with fake banknotes in Pakistan, you are required to take it to a bank and ask them to stamp it as ‘Cancelled.’ Please remember that using or passing on counterfeit money is a crime punishable by hefty fines and jail time.
That’s a wrap for our guide on how to identify the fake currency in Pakistan. If you have more tips and tricks on how to spot counterfeit money, please share them with us by dropping an email at blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, if you are an overseas Pakistani, you must check out our comprehensive guides on FAQs about Roshan Digital Accounts, instant digital payment system Raast, and Naya Pakistan Certificates.
To learn more about the performance of Pakistani currency in the international market, stay connected to Zameen Blog, your best source for the latest updates on real estate and lifestyle trends across the country. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our email newsletter to stay in touch.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this blog has been extracted from the official website of the State Bank of Pakistan and reports published by leading newspapers.
