It may be pointed out that this directive only allows the exchange of Rs 500 old design bigger size banknote from banks and SBP BSC field offices to facilitate the general public, who are in possession of such notes, said a statement issued on Monday. However, this old design banknote stands demonetized, and, hence, cannot be used as a legal tender. Over 10,000 branches of commercial banks and 16 field offices of SBP BSC will start exchanging these old design banknotes of Rs 500 denomination with immediate effect. This exchange facility will be available to the general public till the last working day of September 2012. The SBP has also advised the banks to surrender all such Rs 500 old design banknotes to the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) for exchange or credit of exchange value in their respective bank account up to the last working day of September, 2012. The Banks have also been asked to widely publicize the extension of date for the exchange of Rs 500 old design banknotes in line with their respective advertisement policy for the awareness and facilitation of general public. The banks are also advised to issue necessary instruction to all their branches for implementation of the above instructions in letter and spirit. Any complaint with regard to exchange of old design Rs 500 banknotes may be lodged with the SBP BSC Central Help Desk, Head Office, Karachi at telephone numbers: 021?99212491, 021?32455454, 021?32455470 & 021-32453962. Complaints may also be lodged at the email address: drs500@sbp.org.pk or with the Chief Spokesman, SBP at his e-mail address: syed.wasimuddin@sbp.org.pk. It may be recalled that the Federal Government has extended the last date for exchange of Rs 500 old design banknote up to September 30, 2012 vide a notification of November 4, 2011.