SARGODHA, April 2: Counterfeit currency notes of Rs100 and Rs1,000 denomination are in circulation in the district and suburbs.

Local shopkeepers, who are alarmed with the wide circulation, cannot spot the fake notes that have a striking resemblance with genuine rupees.

The surface having Quaid's picture is rough and the watermark line and the Quaid's image are also visible. However, fake notes have three layers, with front and back printed and holding a transparent layer in between. Its colour faints when dipped in water.

The traders have urged the government to make cash scanners available at big shopping centres at subsidized rates.

A police officer, who did not want to be named, said those dealing in smuggled goods were the main source of fake currency circulation.

He said smugglers operating from bara markets in the north were patronizing this business.

"They sell a Rs100 note for Rs20 and seven currency notes of Rs1,000 denomination for one thousand rupees," he said.