Govt decides to expand scope of Roshan Digital Accounts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that expanding the scope of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme to foreign investors would further strengthen Pakistan as "an attractive investment destination" and would expand financial markets, according to a handout from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The government has decided to expand the scope of the Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) as per the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors will now be allowed to invest in Roshan Digital Accounts, government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates. This initiative reflects efforts to strengthen links with financial markets and promote foreign investment through digital platforms. The overseas Pakistani community, comprising approximately 11 million people, is among the largest and most dynamic communities in the world. Pakistanis living in the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Far East are contributing to host economies while supporting their families and communities back home. Overseas Pakistanis are not only a source of strength for the national economy but also ambassadors of Pakistan's culture, business potential and values around the world. According to the State Bank, remittances had reached $38.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, an increase of 26.6pc compared to the previous year. Remittances are expected to reach $42 billion in fiscal year 2026. This performance reflects the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and their continued support in improving the country's economy. Pakistan has become the fifth-largest recipient of remittances in the world and ranks second in South Asia. Remittances are the most important factor in stabilising Pakistan's external accounts. The State Bank's foreign exchange reserves currently stand at approximately $16.3 billion, while total reserves are close to $21.6 billion. The Roshan Digital Account scheme for overseas Pakistanis was launched on September 10, 2020. Under the slogan "Door Reh Kar Bhi Paas," the aim was to connect overseas Pakistanis to banking and investment through a simple digital system. Through the Roshan Digital Account, overseas Pakistanis can open bank accounts without visiting Pakistan. Overseas Pakistanis can also invest in government securities, Naya Pakistan Certificates, the Pakistan Stock Exchange, mutual funds, and access other digital banking services. Over the past five and a half years, the Roshan Digital Account has achieved significant success. By the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 accounts had been opened and total investments have exceeded $12 billion. The Prime Minister congratulated the Finance Minister, the State Bank of Pakistan, and participating banks on this success. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that expanding the scope of Roshan Digital Accounts to foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors will further strengthen Pakistan as an attractive investment destination and broaden financial markets. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said, "Pakistan is ready for investment."