Fresh off the bank

The State Bank of Pakistan deserves an accolade for solving the problem of the distribution of fresh currency notes. In the past, it was difficult to get fresh currency notes since only bank employees had the privilege to obtain fresh notes. The only option left for many people was to get the crisp new notes from profiteers who used to charge for their services. The SBP has devised an innovative plan so that a large number of people can have the sealed packs of money. An SMS service has been launched by the SBP through which one can get fresh notes up to Rs18,000 by sending a message to 8877.

Although children already felt elated on receiving money from their elders on Eidul Fitr, new currency notes doubled their joy. However, the salaried class often fails to enjoy this facility offered by the SBP because the SMS service ceases to exist by the time the pay is drawn by government employees. Besides, most people are unaware of the process of sending SMS on the given number. One hopes that the people at the helm will look into the matter and try to fill the loopholes to make it more effective and easily accessible.

Saad Hussain

Karachi