75 years of Pakistan: What is the meaning of the design of the commemorative note and why are there Sarsyid Ahmed Khan and Markhor on it

The Central Bank of Pakistan launched a commemorative note of Rs 75 on the completion of 75 years of the establishment of the country.

State Bank of Pakistan Acting Governor Dr. Murtaza Syed unveiled this special commemorative note on August 14.

On one side of this green note, there are pictures of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Fatima Jinnah, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, while on the other side of the note there are pictures of markhor and deodar trees.

A series of comments on this note started on social media, in which on the one hand praise was given, along with the value of this note, its design, and the pictures on it, especially the pictures of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Markhor. But there are a lot of comments.

Why did the State Bank of Pakistan choose this design?

The State Bank of Pakistan has clarified its position in writing about the photos of Markhor besides the important personality on the commemorative note.

According to the State Bank, coins and stamps are issued on important days, but it is rare that the State Bank issues a commemorative banknote. This is the second banknote to be issued so far, before this, State Bank issued the first such note in 1997 on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Pakistan's independence.

In its written statement, the State Bank said, "The note is mainly green, with white shades and some yellow tint added to make it more attractive." Green represents growth and development and symbolizes the country's Islamic identity, while white emphasizes the religious diversity of the population.

Explaining the image of the markhor on the side of the note, the statement said, "The images of the markhor and pine trees on the back of the banknote highlight our national commitment to combat climate change and its impacts." Both the markhor and the cedar tree point to the devastation caused by these climate changes and emphasize the need for urgent action to combat and prevent environmental degradation.

According to the circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan in connection with this commemorative note, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan laid the foundation of independence through the Aligarh movement and is considered the founder of the two-nation ideology.

Regarding the portrait of Fatima Jinnah, the State Bank says that she supported her brother Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Tehreek-e-Pakistan movement and her presence on the note also reflects the role of women in the Tehreek-e-Pakistan movement.

On the other hand, regarding the design of the note, the State Bank says that the side with markhor and cedar is based on a design provided by artist Sara Khan.

The design and color scheme of this note was worked out by the Central Bank's Internal Note Committee and formally approved by the Federal Government.

Where can I get a commemorative note and what can it be used for?

A commemorative note of Rs 75 was launched by State Bank on Pakistan's Diamond Jubilee Independence Day, but this note will be released on September 30, 2022, and will be available at State Bank counters.

The commemorative note is a regular legal tender and is guaranteed by the State Bank of Pakistan in the denomination of Rs 75.

According to a senior State Bank official, although commemorative notes can be used for transactions, this is not usually the case as people collect commemorative notes and coins as souvenirs.

Similarly, shopkeepers are also not much aware of commemorative notes so they also shy away from taking them but it is a regular note and can be used in transactions.