A Student Reimagines Pakistani Currency Notes and the Result is Breathtaking

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Who says Pakistanis don’t have an eye for detail?

A Pakistani student has come up with some insanely creative designs for the country’s currency notes.

She designed these notes as part of her Bachelor of Arts Thesis. The topic of her thesis was “Redesign of Pakistan Currency Notes – theme based on Pakistan’s Cultural Diversity.”

Her brother went over Twitter to share the results of this project. Dare we say that the project has succeeded in highlighting the soft image of Pakistan? Because it surely has.

Here’s a closer look at those currency notes. How amazing is this that this was all sketched by hand?

Pakistani Currency Rupee 10 Note Art Pakistani Currency Rupee 100 Note Art Pakistani Currency Rupee 500 Note Art Pakistani Currency Rupee 1000 Note Art Pakistani Currency Rupee 50 Note Art Pakistani Currency Rupee 20 Note Art Pakistani Currency Rupee 5 Note Art

From the astounding Makli Tombs, to Takh e Bahi, Shandoor, to the magnificent Qila Baltit, the student sure did use an interesting array of cultural landmarks that are present in Pakistan.

And then we have pottery, the dholwala (drum beater), polo, truck art, a girl from the Kalaish tribe, the famous Buddha statue, Rubab, and more!

Just in case if anyone points out, “But what about those poor Rs 1, Rs 2 coins?” As it turns out, the same artist has designed some pretty nifty coins based on that:

Wouldn’t it be great if these notes could inspire the official notes of Pakistan? The student actually took care while incorporating some security features in her design as well. Here’s what her brother said regarding this:

Remarkable as these notes are, it seems that not everyone is happy with what is first and foremost an arts project by an incredibly talented individual. We need to be better than this and here’s why.

The Beginning of a Conversation About What is Pakistan’s Cultural Identity

The art project has invited a lot of attention, both good and bad.

Numerous Pakistani tweeps pointed out why there was no depiction of Quaid-e-Azam on these currency notes, not realizing the fact that it’s an arts project which required specific focus on Pakistan’s culture and not an official thing by the State Bank of Pakistan. Neither has the student recommended these notes to be considered as official designs for Pakistani currency. So hold onto your horses people, you know who you are:

Even some people from across the border can appreciate art on its merits. In fact, many countries feature monuments on their currency notes, so why can’t we?

There’s no discounting the achievements of the Quaid, and fellow Pakistanis should be secure in the knowledge that his achievements aren’t going away.

At least not all of us are touchy regarding certain features of the design and can learn to ask a question without judging the patriotism of others. Here’s how you ask a question sensibly:

 

And here’s how you don’t:

We’re not sure where this person got their education from, but this is certainly not OK:

https://twitter.com/ProfSyK/status/1028704043164680193

Then we have the armchair keyboard warriors who claim to know what Pakistan stands for.

https://twitter.com/dost_sab/status/1028570513898131456

These are probably the same people who missed out on the part that the white part of Pakistan’s flag represents minorities. They are also the same folks who might have gotten a case of collective amnesia regarding what Quaid-e-Azam said the minorities, soon after achieving independence from the British:

You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state.

We sure do like jumping to conclusions, don’t we? But at least it is heartening to note that some people do realize the true value of talent:

https://twitter.com/faisssallll/status/1028631905896419328

In a climate where Pakistan’s cultural strengths are not highlighted enough internationally, efforts such as those by the designer behind these eye-catching notes and others need to be celebrated. And its time we learn to do the same.

Samir is the Head of Entertainment at Lens by ProPakistani. You can reach out to him at samir.ya...


    • i agree Jinnah should be there but instead of criticizing this wonderful artist we should encourage her and give her tips to improve . if we critisize her at this stage she may lose heart .

  • A very good effort. I must say think and then to actually draw it out is sheer talent. A very good effort. I am impressed, I must admit. I am not going to debate whether there should be Jinnah’s picture or not but definitely not mosques. Just imagine how much bribe we give and to have mosques on these notes, I just don’t feel comfortable.

    I did notice though Inverted map of Pakistan.

    Lastly I would appreciate if she would disclose how she drew and on what medium?

    • The map looks inverted because it is actually on the other side of notes and here it’s see-through because of security feature. So actually the map is not inverted.

  • I really like those braile dots on the notes .. which should be implement on our Pakistani currency notes.

  • Add a picture of Mr. Jinnah and then everything else is perfect. ?

  • Beautifully beautifully done…
    I loved the concept, and it surely took my breaths away for a second when I was watching them for sure.

    G R E A T Work !! it should be approved

  • Itni Achi Bandi Ne Art Banai Hai Aur Saray Zamanay K Farigh Tareen Log Disheart Kar Rahay Hain Jin Ko Khud Takkay Ka Contribute Nai Kartay Zindgi Mai Aik Bar Bhi Kisi Bhi Cheez Mai. Apna Apna Design Bana Ko Post Karo Jin Ko Pasand Nahi Aya Abhi Din Mai Billiya Nazar Aa Jaye Gi.

  • Thats why we dont let artists design currency notes. Everything should not be deviant art. A redesign of a note should make it circular as well as smaller. Thats what brings practical benefits. Rectangular notes get soiled easily.

  • Great to see but without Baba e Qoam these will nothing .. Well appreciating well-done

  • People who are saying Jinnah should be there “Be like Jinnah in your real life instead of just wanting him on a paper”. I will prefer to have him too but more importantly to be like Jinnah is what going to improve Pakistan.

  • Where is our Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah… Sorry…. No Currency note without our founding father….This student artist must be ashamed of herself to have missed such an important figure in notes…. pathetic….

  • Not acceptable without Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
    The art is beautiful itself but i don’t recommend it for currency.

  • Remarkable, Extraordinary, Extraordinary, Amazing, Breathtaking, Outstanding, Spectacular, Magnificent.

  • without Founder of Pakistan, your sister hardworking are useless and second thing she is art student, she should first think that she is not Play class student that she can make watever she has in mind, ( Proud be Pakistan. PROUD on Quaid e Azam )

    1 Star mark for her work

  • so you want to remove the father of our nation. the Great Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
    wow!!! so this is the NAYA PAKISTAN everyone talking about.
    Totally Unacceptable. period


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