On the instruction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Government of Pakistan has decided to expand the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) framework to allow foreign nationals, as well as foreign companies and institutional investors, to open Roshan Digital Accounts and invest in Government securities as well as Naya Pakistan Certificates that offer a very attractive rate of return.
The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb who said that this important step reflects the government’s commitment to further integrate Pakistan with global financial markets and attract foreign investment through a secure and transparent digital banking platform.
The Finance Minister noted that Pakistan’s diaspora of around 11 million people represents one of the largest and most vibrant expatriate communities in the world. In every part of the globe, from the Middle East to Europe, from North America to the Far East, Pakistani professionals, entrepreneurs, workers and students are contributing to their host economies while continuing to support their families and communities back home. He said that overseas Pakistanis are not only a source of economic strength for the country but also serve as ambassadors of Pakistan’s culture, enterprise and values around the world.
Highlighting the role of overseas Pakistanis in strengthening the national economy, Senator Aurangzeb said that according to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country achieved a historic milestone in fiscal year 2025 with record-breaking remittances exceeding $38.3 billion, marking an impressive 26.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. He added that as Pakistan progresses through fiscal year 2026, remittances are projected to reach an unprecedented $42 billion. This strong performance reflects the continued trust and confidence of the diaspora in Pakistan’s economic prospects and their unwavering support in strengthening the country’s foreign exchange reserves and overall economic growth. With this consistent performance, Pakistan now ranks fifth among the top remittance-receiving countries globally and second in South Asia.
The Finance Minister emphasized that remittance inflows remain the single most critical factor in stabilizing Pakistan’s external account, enabling the country to maintain a sustainable balance of payments and build its foreign exchange reserves. He noted that the State Bank of Pakistan’s reserves currently stand at around $16.3 billion, while the country’s total foreign exchange reserves amount to approximately $21.6 billion.
Recalling the launch of the Roshan Digital Account initiative, Senator Aurangzeb stated that in order to further connect non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs) with Pakistan’s financial and banking system, the State Bank of Pakistan, in collaboration with commercial banks, introduced the Roshan Digital Account initiative on September 10, 2020. With the slogan “Door Reh Kar bhi Paas,” the initiative was designed with the clear objective of associating millions of overseas Pakistanis with Pakistan’s banking and investment ecosystem through a fully digital and seamless experience.
He explained that the RDA serves as a flagship digital banking mechanism that allows non-resident Pakistanis to open bank accounts remotely, invest in government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates, trade in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and mutual funds, and purchase property in Pakistan, in addition to accessing a wide range of digital banking services.
The Finance Minister expressed satisfaction over the remarkable progress of the initiative, stating that the RDA journey that began almost five and a half years ago has achieved significant milestones. As of the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 Roshan Digital Accounts have been opened, with total inflows exceeding $12 billion. He congratulated the State Bank of Pakistan and the participating RDA member banks for their efforts in providing modern digital banking services to Pakistan’s diaspora and for the initiative’s fast-track growth.
Senator Aurangzeb said that the decision to expand the RDA framework to include foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors would further enhance Pakistan’s attractiveness as an investment destination and deepen the country’s financial markets.
Addressing the global investment community, the Finance Minister extended a clear invitation, stating that Pakistan is open for investment. He emphasized that the government’s ongoing reforms, strengthened digital infrastructure and expanding financial access are aimed at creating a welcoming, transparent and secure environment for global capital. He invited investors from around the world to explore the opportunities Pakistan offers and to become partners in the country’s economic future.
