Getting new currency notes from banks has become increasingly difficult, as black market sales continue in Karachi’s Bolton Market.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued Rs27 billion in new notes to commercial banks for Eid al-Fitr.

However, the public is struggling to obtain them through official channels.

Meanwhile, brokers in Bolton Market are selling currency bundles at steep premiums. A Rs100 note bundle is priced at Rs600 extra, while a Rs50 note bundle costs Rs5,900.

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Similarly, a Rs20 bundle carries a Rs450 markup, and a Rs10 bundle is being sold for Rs1,450.

Brokers claim that bank staff are supplying these bundles to the black market, with allegations that SBP officials are also involved in the illegal trade.