KARACHI: On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government has decided to expand the scope of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), allowing foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors to participate in the initiative.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the expanded framework will enable these investors to access government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates through the digital platform.
The move is aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s links with global financial markets and attracting foreign investment.
Launched on September 10, 2020, the Roshan Digital Account was designed to connect overseas Pakistanis with banking and investment opportunities without requiring their physical presence in the country.
Under the scheme, non-resident Pakistanis can open bank accounts and invest in government securities, the Pakistan Stock Exchange, mutual funds and other instruments.
Pakistan’s overseas community, estimated at around 11 million, remains a key pillar of the economy.
Spread across the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Far East, expatriates continue to support families back home while contributing to host economies.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, remittances surged to $38.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, marking a 26.6 percent increase year-on-year.
Inflows are projected to reach $42 billion in the current fiscal year, reflecting sustained confidence among overseas Pakistanis.
Pakistan currently ranks fifth globally and second in South Asia in remittance receipts, with inflows playing a crucial role in stabilising the country’s external accounts.
The central bank’s foreign exchange reserves stand at approximately $16.3 billion, with total reserves nearing $21.6 billion.
Over the past five and a half years, the Roshan Digital Account has recorded significant growth. By the end of February, more than 900,000 accounts had been opened, with cumulative investments exceeding $12 billion.
PM Shehbaz congratulated the finance minister, the State Bank of Pakistan and participating banks on the initiative’s success. He said the expansion to foreign investors would further position Pakistan as an attractive investment destination and enhance its footprint in global financial markets.
Officials say the move, backed by ongoing reforms and a strengthened digital financial system, is expected to provide a transparent, secure and investor-friendly environment for both overseas Pakistanis and international stakeholders.
