Banknote Security Features and Handling Guidelines
Banknote Security Features and Handling Guidelines
Features
History of Banknotes in Pakistan
• The Pakistani rupee was put into circulation in
Pakistan after the dissolution of the British Raj
in 1947. Initially, Pakistan used Britain
Indian coins and banknotes simply over-
stamped with "Pakistan". New coins and
banknotes were issued in 1948.
• Currently, Pakistani banknotes are available in
denominations of 10, 20, 50, 75, 100, 500,
1,000 and Rs 5,000. The design and security
features of each note are unique to its
denomination.
Categories of
Banknotes
Categories of Banknotes
• There are two major categories of Banknotes.
(1) Issuable
(2) Non-issuable
(1) Issuable:
• Fresh:
• Banknotes which are issued fist time
• Re Issuable:
• Good quality banknotes which are fit for circulation
Categories of Banknotes
(2) Non-issuable
• Soiled Notes
• Notes which become dirty and limp (soft) due to humidity and
constant use / change of hands.
• Notes divided into two pieces either horizontally or vertically but are
in full.
• Mutilated Notes
• Notes which are torn, disfigured, partially cut damaged or slightly
burnt provided ¾ portion thereof be intact.
• Claim Notes
• Notes which are torn into more than two pieces, washed, oily or partly
burnt, provided, missing portion of the note is less than half so that it
is too small to be used to substantiate another claim.
• Such notes require special examination under a specified procedure.
Categories of Banknotes
• The following banknotes are not payable;
1. Half or less than half the area of the full banknote.
2. Cancelled by any office of the SBP BSC.
3. Found to be forged / counterfeit.
4. Deliberately cut, mutilated or altered, tempered, mismatch, disfigured
Quaid portrait, or having any political or ethnic writings/slogans.
Refund of Notes
• No person shall, as of right, be entitled to recover value of any lost, stolen,
mutilated or otherwise imperfect notes but the value of such notes may be
refunded, as a matter of grace.
Banknote Security
Features
Security Features
• Why do we need Security Features?
• Banknotes are used as a means of payment, and they
represent a significant value for both individuals and
financial institutions. As such, they are vulnerable to
counterfeiting, theft, and other forms of fraud. To
mitigate these risks, security features are incorporated
into banknotes. Here are some reasons why we need
security features in banknotes;
• Prevent Counterfeiting
• Enhance Authenticity
• Maintain Value of Currency
Add a footer 8
Exercise
• What features do our banknotes notes have?
• What are the “look, tilt and feel” features you can see
on your current series/banknotes?
Look Tilt Feel
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Types of Security Features
1. Paper Features
2. Ink Features
3. Design Features
1. Paper
Pakistani Banknote paper is prepared with special material
and treated with chemicals and coatings to provide
additional layers of protection against counterfeiting. If
banknote paper is held under ultra violet light it is dull
compared to other papers.
Microfibers
The banknotes has microfibers which fluorescent under
ultra violet light
11
Watermark
Presently there are two
types of watermarks on
Pakistani banknotes:
• Portrait
• When the note is held
against the light, an
Image of Quaid-e-
Azam can be seen.
• Denomination
• When the note is held
against the light, the
numeral value can be
seen. 12
WATERMARK
FORGED
Security Thread
• A partially embedded vertical window security thread with denomination
numeral “value” appears as silver dashes at the front left side of the note
• The security thread appears as yellow and blue fluorescent bands when
viewed under ultraviolet light.
• The thread is a difficult feature to counterfeit but some counterfeiters print a
thin black line or a thin line of varnish in the area of the thread
FORGED
2. Ink
The ink used in Pakistan banknotes is a special
security ink that is designed to be difficult to
replicate. The ink is applied to the banknotes
using high-tech printing processes that ensure
the images and text are of the highest quality
and security.
Optically Variable Ink
15
See Through
Elements of design printed on both sides
of a banknote that register perfectly when
observed in transmitting light.
FORGED
3. Design
T h e d e s i g n o f Pa k i s t a n i b a n k n o te s i s a
combination of traditional and modern
elements. Each denomination features a
prominent Pakistani leader or historical figure,
along with images and symbols that represent
the country's culture, heritage, and natural
beauty.
17
Microprint
Printed image or text visible only with magnifying device.
Text visible when observed with magnifying device.
Braille Feature
Banknotes incorporate
intaglio printing, allowing
visually impaired individuals
to identify denominations
through tactile features, such
as raised markings, aiding
accessibility and
independence. The specific
"braille feature" varies based
on denomination.
Latent Image
A hidden image that becomes visible when the
note is tilted or held up to light at a specific
angle.
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Banknote Security Features Video
• Banknote Security Features Video
Tips to Spot a Counterfeit
banknote
S# Action Genuine Counterfeit
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Legal Aspects of Counterfeiting
Punishments under Pakistan Penal Code
Violations Punishment
Counterfeiting of banknotes [Section 489A]. Imprisonment for life or imprisonment for 10
years and fine.
Using a counterfeit banknote [Section Imprisonment for life or imprisonment for 10
489B]. years and fine.
Possession of a counterfeit banknote Imprisonment for 7 years or fine, or both.
[Section 489C].
Making or possessing machinery, Imprisonment for life or imprisonment for 10
instrument or material for forging or years, and fine.
counterfeiting bank-notes. [Section 489D].
Making or using any document resembling Imprisonment for 1 year or fine or both.
a forged banknote [Section 489E]
Remember
• No denomination is exempt from the possibility of
counterfeiting.
• Most counterfeit notes are poor quality and can be
easily detected.
• All payment methods can be subject to fraud. Protect
yourself. Learn how to use the security measures on
bank notes.
Humaray Note
Hamari Pehchaan
B a n k n o te H a n d l i n g
Guidelines
What can be inferred about the type of
people in the country, from the condition
of the banknotes?
How do you keep Foreign
Currency?
More carefully or less carefully than
local currency?
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• It is our national responsibility to maintain the prestige of our banknotes.
• Banknotes are our Assets.
• To improve its quality and increase its life, keep it straight in your purses/ wallets/ pockets and
avoid crumpling or folding the notes. When note is folded multiple times over its life, it tends to
tear from there
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• To ensure that Counterfeits are withdrawn from
circulation effectively, banks are required to process
banknote on machine. However, machine processing
requires banknotes to have a minimum level of quality.
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• Keep currency notes in a secure and dry place. Exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, or
direct sunlight can damage the notes over time
• When making transactions, handle currency notes with care. Refrain from crumpling or
excessive handling, as this can contribute to the wear of the notes.
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• Refrain from showcasing it as a means of flaunting prestige or seeking status
symbols during diverse cultural and religious events, such as weddings, Qawali
programs, and gatherings like Mehfil-e-Naat.
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• Refrain from attaching staple pins to banknotes or writing on them
with pen or numbers, as these actions can render the note
unsuitable for machine processing.
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• When storing banknotes for savings purpose, avoid using rubber
bands as they can melt onto the notes over time, causing damage or
rendering the notes unusable.
.
It can clearly be seen that the note is being torn due to rubber band
Hamary Note, Hamari Pehchan
• Refrain from writing any Political Slogans, general messages and
moustaches on Quaid’s portrait.
What other ways do you
think that people’s practices
deteriorate the life of
banknotes?
Public Message
“ Preserve
Pakistan’s Pride: Handle Your
Banknotes with Care!”