SBP unveils commemorative Rs75 banknote to mark Pakistan’s diamond jubilee

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Sunday unveiled the Rs75 commemorative banknote to mark the 75 years of Pakistan’s Independence.

SBP’s Acting Governor Dr Murtaza Syed unveiled the banknote during a celebratory ceremony held at the SBP Museum.

Following the flag hoisting ceremony and unveiling of the commemorative banknote, Dr Murtaza noted that it is relatively rare that the SBP issues a commemorative banknote; however, the issuance of coins and postage stamps is a regular and recurring feature to mark days of national importance.

“Finance Department of the SBP bent over backwards for timely completion of this important project and I appreciate their efforts,” Dr Syed said speaking at the occasion.

The Rs75 note is the second such banknote to be issued by the central bank. Earlier, the SBP issued the first and so far the only commemorative banknote in 1997 to mark Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee.

The ceremony also saw children with disabilities perform national patriotic songs to celebrate the country’s independence anniversary.

The acting governor also introduced the Roshan Pension Plan (RPP) to augment lifestyle banking under the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative for overseas Pakistanis.

“Overseas Pakistanis can now avail the benefits of financial planning for their post-retirement life in Pakistan through RPP and enjoy an exclusive pension plan,” he said.

In collaboration with RDA banks and Asset Management Companies, SBP will soft launch the product from August 15.

Toward the end of the ceremony, Dr Syed also inaugurated an exhibition of rare photographs of Quaid-e-Azam in collaboration with the Press Information Department (PID).

Features of the  Rs75 commemorative banknote

The banknote is predominantly green, complemented by shades of white and yellow. Green represents growth and development, which also derives inspiration from Pakistan’s Islamic identity. White, on the other hand, emphasises its population’s religious diversity.

Portraits of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on the note’s front side are its distinct feature.

The Markhor and Deodar trees pictures on the back highlight Pakistan’s national commitment to address climate change and its repercussions.

Both Markhor and Deodar trees serve as symbols of the devastation wrought by these changes and call for urgent measures to combat and reverse environmental degradation.