Islamabad: In a move directed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Government of Pakistan has expanded the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme to include foreign nationals and institutional investors, allowing them to invest in government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates. This development aims to further integrate Pakistan into global financial markets and attract foreign investments through a digital banking platform.

According to Ministry of Finance, the announcement was made by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. He highlighted that this decision underscores the government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment. The Pakistani diaspora, which consists of around 11 million individuals, plays a vital role in the country’s economy by contributing through remittances and serving as cultural ambassadors worldwide.

Senator Aurangzeb noted the significant growth in remittances, with a record-breaking $38.3 billion achieved in fiscal year 2025, marking a 26.6 percent increase from the previous year. Projections for fiscal year 2026 suggest remittances could reach $42 billion, reinforcing Pakistan’s standing as the fifth largest remittance-receiving country globally.

The initiative, originally launched by the State Bank of Pakistan in September 2020, has seen more than 900,000 accounts opened and over $12 billion in inflows by February 2026. The expansion to include foreign nationals and institutions is expected to enhance Pakistan’s investment appeal. Senator Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of remittance inflows in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy and invited global investors to explore the opportunities presented by the country’s ongoing reforms and digital infrastructure developments.