The federal government has decided to broaden the scope of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative by allowing foreign nationals, companies, and institutional investors to participate in the programme, a step aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s access to global capital and deepening financial market integration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued the directive on Friday, instructing authorities to expand investment access through RDAs to include government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates for a wider pool of international investors. Officials said the decision reflects the government’s strategy to position Pakistan as a more competitive destination for foreign investment through digital financial channels.
The Roshan Digital Account programme, launched on September 10, 2020, enables overseas Pakistanis to open bank accounts remotely without visiting the country and invest in a range of financial instruments, including government securities, mutual funds, and equities listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Since its launch, the initiative has evolved into a key mechanism for mobilising foreign exchange inflows.
By the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 accounts had been opened under the scheme, with total investments exceeding $12 billion, according to official figures. Authorities view the programme as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s efforts to formalise remittance channels and attract long-term investment flows.
The expansion comes at a time when remittance inflows continue to play a central role in stabilising Pakistan’s external sector. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan shows remittances reached $38.3 billion during the fiscal year 2025, marking a 26.6 percent increase compared to the previous year, with projections indicating inflows could rise further to around $42 billion in FY2026.
Pakistan currently ranks fifth worldwide and second in South Asia in terms of remittance receipts, which remain the country’s single most critical buffer for maintaining external account stability. The central bank reported foreign exchange reserves of approximately $16.3 billion, with total reserves standing near $21.6 billion.
Officials noted that the country’s overseas community, estimated at around 11 million people residing across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East, continues to serve as a vital economic lifeline through remittances and investment flows.
Prime Minister Sharif commended the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Pakistan, and participating banks for the programme’s progress, expressing confidence that widening participation to global investors would further enhance market depth and investor confidence.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said recent policy reforms, combined with a strengthened digital banking framework, have created a more transparent and secure investment environment. He added that the government is actively encouraging international investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Pakistan’s financial markets.
