Pakistan govt expands Roshan Digital Account scheme to foreign nationals, institutional investors

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, according to Finance Division statement on Monday.

The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb who said the step reflected “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 was quoted as saying in Finance Division statement.

The minister said 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, Aurangzeb said according to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country achieved a historic milestone in fiscal year 2025 with remittances exceeding $38.3 billion, marking 26.6% increase compared to the previous year.

“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 emphasised that remittance inflows remained the single most critical factor in stabilising 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 stood at around $16.3 billion, while the country’s total foreign exchange reserves amounted to approximately $21.6 billion.

Recalling the launch of the Roshan Digital Account initiative, Aurangzeb stated that in order to further connect non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs) with Pakistan’s financial and banking system, the central bank, in collaboration with commercial banks, introduced the RDA initiative on September 10, 2020. With the slogan “Door Reh Kar bhi Paas,” the initiative was designed with an objective of associating millions of overseas Pakistanis with Pakistan’s banking and investment ecosystem.

“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,” he explained.

The finance minister expressed satisfaction, 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.

Aurangzeb said 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 an invitation, stating that Pakistan was open for investment.

He emphasised that the government’s ongoing reforms, strengthened digital infrastructure and expanding financial access were 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.