Govt turns RDA into global investment gateway

March 16, 2026 (MLN): The government has decided to expand the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) framework to allow foreign nationals, foreign companies and institutional investors to open accounts and invest in government securities as well as Naya Pakistan Certificates offering attractive returns.

This was declared by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, who said the move has been taken on the instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as part of efforts to integrate Pakistan more closely with global financial markets and attract foreign investment through a secure and transparent digital banking platform, according to a press release issued.

He noted that Pakistan’s overseas community of around 11 million people remains a key pillar of the national economy, contributing significantly to remittances and acting as ambassadors of the country’s culture and enterprise across the world.

Highlighting their economic contribution, the finance minister said Pakistan achieved a historic milestone in FY25 with remittances exceeding $38.3 billion, reflecting a 26.6% increase compared to the previous year. 

Remittance inflows are projected to reach around $42bn in FY26, emphasizing the continued trust of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s economic prospects.

He added that remittances remain the single most important factor supporting Pakistan’s external account and helping maintain a sustainable balance of payments. 

Currently, the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves stand at around $16.3bn, while the country’s total reserves amount to approximately $21.6bn.

Recalling the launch of the initiative, finance minister Aurangzeb said the Roshan Digital Account was introduced 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 ecosystem through a fully digital platform.

Since its launch, the initiative has witnessed strong growth, with more than 900,000 accounts opened and total inflows exceeding $12bn by the end of February 2026.

The finance minister expressed confidence that expanding the RDA framework to foreign nationals and institutional investors will further strengthen Pakistan’s financial markets and enhance the country’s appeal as an investment destination, inviting global investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.

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