Published in Dawn on March, 27, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that expanding the scope of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme to foreign investors would further strengthen Pakistan as “an attractive investment destination” and would expand financial markets, according to a handout from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
It should be mentioned that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on March 16 had announced the government’s move to expand the scheme.
According to the PMO handout issued on Friday, the government, on the directives of PM Shehbaz, had decided to expand the scope of the RDA. Foreign nationals, companies, and institutional investors would be allowed to invest in Roshan Digital Accounts and in government securities, including Naya Pakistan Certificates, it added.
“This initiative reflects efforts to strengthen linkages with financial markets and promote foreign investment through a digital platform,” the handout said.
It said that the overseas Pakistani community, comprising approximately 11 million people, was among the “largest and most dynamic” communities in the world.
“Pakistanis residing in the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East are contributing to host economies while supporting their families and communities back home,” it said.
It maintained that overseas Pakistanis were not only a source of strength for the national economy but also ambassadors of Pakistan’s culture, business potential, and values worldwide.
The handout said that according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), remittances had reached $38.3 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, reflecting a 26.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
“Remittances are expected to reach $42 billion in the 2026 fiscal year,” it said. The handout said that this performance reflected the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and their continued support for improving the country’s economy.
“Pakistan has become the fifth-largest recipient of remittances globally and the second-largest in South Asia. Remittances remain the most important factor for stabilising Pakistan’s external accounts,” it maintained.
The handout said that SBP’s foreign exchange reserves currently stood at approximately $16.3 billion, while total reserves were close to $21.6 billion. It added that since its launch in 2020, the RDA scheme had achieved significant milestones.
The statement said that by the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 accounts had been opened, adding that total investments had exceeded $12 billion.
According to the handout, PM Shehbaz congratulated Finance Minister Aurangzeb, the SBP, and participating banks on this success.
It also quoted the finance minister as saying that Pakistan was ready for investment.
“Through government reforms, a strong digital system, and expanded financial facilities, a transparent, secure, and conducive environment is being provided,” Aurangzeb said.
“Investors around the world are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities in Pakistan and become part of the country’s economic future,” he said.
