Officials said on Tuesday that the State Bank of Pakistan has allocated fresh currency notes totaling 27 billion rupees to commercial banks nationwide in anticipation of Ramadan.

The central bank has distributed new banknotes to some 17,000 commercial bank branches across the country, guaranteeing ample availability during the holy month when demand for money typically rises.

The State Bank has provided explicit directives to banking institutions concerning efforts to enhance public access to the new notes. Commercial banks have been instructed to efficiently deploy their ATM networks to disseminate high-quality, pristine cash notes during Ramadan.

The State Bank has established specialized cash monitoring teams to police compliance and facilitate effective distribution at multiple bank locations. These teams will ensure that banks adhere to the established rules for currency distribution.

The program seeks to mitigate the seasonal surge in demand for fresh currency notes, especially prior to Eid celebrations, when the tradition of gift-giving using new notes is prevalent in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will go to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at fortifying bilateral relations, augmenting economic collaboration, and increasing investment between the two nations.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan announced that the prime minister will visit the Kingdom from March 19 to March 22.

He will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as prominent federal ministers and senior government officials.

Prime Minister Shehbaz is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during the visit.

Discussions will center on enhancing trade and investment prospects, along with collaboration across multiple sectors.

The two leaders are anticipated to discuss regional and global issues, particularly the current situation in the Middle East, with a focus on Palestine.

The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting is presently in session in Parliament House, presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The in-camera session includes a detailed briefing on the current security situation, with military leadership informing the parliamentary committee of recent developments.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence, and Director General of Military Operations are present. Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Anwarul Haq, and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan are also in attendance.

Other notable individuals in attendance comprise Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister of KP Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, and Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Furthermore, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Kamran Murtaza, Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, and Senator Kamil Ali Agha are present.

Speaker dissatisfied with the absence of the opposition

In his introductory statements, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq greeted all attendees, underscoring the necessity for national unity and cohesiveness in confronting security challenges.

He expressed dissatisfaction regarding the opposition’s absence, stating, “The nation is confronting significant challenges that necessitate a unified response.” Attendance of all participants at this pivotal discussion would have been preferable.

Prime Minister Sharif praises the security troops.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his presentation, emphasized escalating security issues, notably in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He emphasized that the nation is unified in its opposition to terrorism, recognizing the sacrifices of security personnel in combating militancy.

“Our security forces have made significant sacrifices to safeguard the nation. We shall persist in combating terrorism at any expense. The premier stated, “The participation of opposition leaders in this pivotal meeting would have been preferable.”

Military officials inform committee about security advancements

The meeting, which has been ongoing for more than two hours, has focused on the escalation in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan. Sources familiar with the briefing revealed the following key points:

Foreign Involvement: The Indian intelligence agency RAW and Afghan elements are allegedly aiding terrorist groups like Fatna-ul-Kharij, contributing to unrest in the region

Cross-Border Threats: Intelligence reports indicate that Afghan soil has been repeatedly used for planning attacks in Pakistan

Terrorist Activities: The Jafar Express attack and the assault on Bannu’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) center were reportedly coordinated from Afghanistan, with several Afghan nationals involved

Weapons Supply: Foreign-manufactured weapons are being used in terrorist attacks, indicating external support for militant groups

Surge in Attacks: There was a notable increase in terrorist activities ahead of Ramadan, signaling a coordinated effort to destabilize the country.
The security briefing was supported by visual presentations, including key intelligence findings, evidence, and analysis of recent attacks. Participants were given a detailed overview of security challenges in affected regions.