The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recently announced the winners of its art competition to design new currency notes, which has ignited a lively debate online. The controversy centers around one of the winning designs, specifically the Rs 5,000 note, which depicts the internationally disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Critics on social media have voiced concerns, accusing the design of attempting to “normalize Kashmir’s exclusion” from the region’s ongoing political discourse. While some users found no issue with the depiction, emphasizing that the competition was purely artistic and held no official weight, others argued that the imagery could be misinterpreted on the global stage. The debate raises questions about the implications of using sensitive territorial representations on national currency.
Despite the backlash, the SBP clarified that the competition was part of a broader process. The shortlisted designs from local artists will be sent to international designers, who will collaborate with the SBP to finalize the new currency series. These designers are expected to take inspiration from the local submissions but will ultimately rely on their expertise to craft the final banknotes.
The SBP’s initiative, which began in January 2024, aims to modernize Pakistan’s currency, updating both the aesthetic and security features across all denominations. The art competition, launched in March, invited innovative ideas from artists across the country, drawing widespread participation.
On Thursday, the SBP revealed the competition’s winners. First-prize honors went to Dr. Shery Abidi, Haroon Khan, Syed Fawad Hussain, Memoona Afzal, Hadiya Hassan, and Noureen Aslam. Second-place prizes were awarded to Mirza Sufiyan, Aynee Zahra, and Karim Muhammad.
While the SBP has confirmed that it currently has no plans to introduce polymer banknotes, the bank reiterated its commitment to revitalizing the national currency through artistic and modern design efforts. However, the online debate surrounding the inclusion of politically sensitive imagery indicates that the road ahead may not be entirely smooth. The broader conversation highlights the challenges of balancing creative expression with the geopolitical sensitivities inherent in currency design.
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