By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to expand the Roshan Digital Account framework to foreign nationals as well as foreign companies and institutional investors, allowing them to open accounts and invest in government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates, the Finance Division said on Monday.
The development 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, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said.
With an overseas population of around 11 million — one of the largest and most vibrant expatriate communities — Pakistanis abroad are scattered from the Middle East to Europe, North America to the Far East. Aurangzeb described them as professionals, entrepreneurs, workers and students who contribute to host economies while supporting families back home. They 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,” he was quoted as saying in the Finance Division statement.
Remittance inflows have provided critical support to the economy. The country achieved a historic milestone in fiscal year 2025 with remittances exceeding $38.3 billion, a 26.6% increase from the previous year, according to State Bank of Pakistan data. 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. Pakistan now ranks fifth among the top remittance-receiving countries globally and second in South Asia.
Aurangzeb emphasized that these inflows remain 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. 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.
The Roshan Digital Account initiative was introduced on Sept. 10, 2020, by the central bank in collaboration with commercial banks to connect non-resident Pakistanis with the domestic financial and banking system. Marketed with the slogan “Door Reh Kar bhi Paas,” the program was designed to associate 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.
The finance minister expressed satisfaction 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. 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, Aurangzeb said.
Copyright © 2021 Independent Pakistan | All rights reserved
