State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in collaboration with Pakistan Banks' Association (PBA) has introduced a Mobile SMS service for issuance of fresh currency notes to the general public. The move is aimed at further facilitating the general public in acquiring fresh currency notes on the eve of forthcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
These fresh notes will be available from 335 selected commercial bank branches called "e-branches" and SBP BSC Offices in 92 cities across Pakistan. The issuance to the general public through Mobile SMS service will commence from September 14, 2015. Under this facility, a person will be required to send an SMS message comprising his/her CNIC/Smart Card number along with desired bank branch code [eg CNIC Number (space) branch code] to 8877. The alphas numeric branch codes of nominated e-branches are available at SBP website www.sbp.org.pk and PBA website www.pakistanbanks.org. In return, the person will get SMS containing his/her transaction code, branch address and transaction validity date. This transaction code will be valid for a maximum of two working days.
The person will approach concerned bank branch along with his/her original CNIC/Smart Card and short code received from 8877 and get the defined quota of fresh notes. It may be mentioned here that the quota of fresh notes to be issued comprises of two packets of Rs 10/- and one packet of Rs 50/- with an optional packet of Rs 100/- as per availability of stock with the concerned branch.
It is also notified that a person can get fresh notes quota only once from his mobile phone number using his CNIC/Smart card number during the service period. The charges for these services are Rs 2/- plus tax, therefore, people are advised to avail the facility only once since additional SMS will only add to their cost.