Pakistan expands Roshan Digital Accounts to foreign nationals and firms

Pakistan has expanded the scope of its Roshan Digital Account programme, allowing foreign nationals, foreign companies and institutional investors to open accounts and invest in government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates, the Finance Division said on Monday.

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the decision, describing it as part of the government’s effort to integrate Pakistan more closely with global financial markets and attract foreign investment through a secure digital banking platform.

The Roshan Digital Account initiative was launched by the State Bank of Pakistan in collaboration with commercial banks on September 10, 2020 to connect non resident Pakistanis with the country’s banking and investment system. Branded under the slogan “Door Reh Kar bhi Paas”, the platform enables overseas Pakistanis to remotely open bank accounts and access a range of financial services.

Through the programme, account holders can invest in government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates, trade in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and mutual funds, purchase property in Pakistan and use various digital banking services.

According to Aurangzeb, the initiative has recorded steady growth since its launch. As of the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 Roshan Digital Accounts had been opened with total inflows exceeding $12 billion.

He said extending the framework to foreign individuals and institutions would broaden Pakistan’s investor base and help deepen domestic financial markets.

The finance minister also highlighted the contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy. He noted that Pakistan’s diaspora of roughly 11 million people represents one of the world’s largest expatriate communities, with professionals, entrepreneurs, workers and students contributing to host economies while continuing to support families and communities in Pakistan.

Aurangzeb said remittances reached a record $38.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a 26.6 percent increase compared with the previous year, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan.

For fiscal year 2026, remittance inflows are projected to rise further to about $42 billion, underscoring what the minister described as sustained confidence among overseas Pakistanis in the country’s economic outlook.

He said remittances remained the most critical factor supporting Pakistan’s external account by helping stabilise the balance of payments and strengthening foreign exchange reserves.

Aurangzeb added that the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at around $16.3 billion, while the country’s total reserves are approximately $21.6 billion.

Pakistan now ranks fifth among the world’s top remittance receiving countries and second in South Asia, he said.

Addressing the global investment community, the finance minister said the government’s reforms, improving digital infrastructure and expanding financial access were aimed at creating a transparent and secure environment for international investors.

He invited investors around the world to explore opportunities in Pakistan, saying the country was open for investment.