ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to enhance the country’s appeal to international investors, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that the government will widen the reach of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative by opening it up to foreign investors.
The decision, which aims to position Pakistan as a compelling investment hub and deepen its financial markets, was detailed in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The expansion follows a prior announcement made by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on March 16 regarding the government’s intentions to broaden the scheme.
New categories of investors to benefit
Under the revised framework, foreign individuals, corporations, and institutional investors will now be eligible to participate in the RDA and invest in government-backed instruments such as Naya Pakistan Certificates.
According to the PMO, the move is designed to forge stronger connections with global financial markets and encourage foreign capital inflows through a secure digital platform.
روشن ڈیجیٹل اکاؤنٹ کا دائرہ کار وسیع، غیر ملکی سرمایہ کاروں کیلئے پاکستان کے دروازے کھل گئے۔ @CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/mPG1bke846
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) March 27, 2026
Overseas Pakistanis: A vital national asset
The statement also underscored the pivotal role of the overseas Pakistani community, which numbers around 11 million and is considered one of the most vibrant and influential diasporas worldwide.
Pakistanis based in the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East continue to make significant contributions to their host nations while maintaining strong ties and sending vital support to their families and communities back home, the handout noted.
It added that these expatriates not only bolster the national economy but also serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Pakistan’s traditions, business promise, and values on the global stage.
Remittances surge to record levels
Citing figures from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the PMO reported that remittances reached $38.3 billion during the 2025 fiscal year, reflecting a substantial 26.6 per cent year-on-year increase. Projections indicate that remittance inflows are likely to climb to $42 billion in the 2026 fiscal year.
Officials described this performance as a clear testament to the enduring trust overseas Pakistanis place in the country’s economic trajectory and their unwavering support for its stability.
Pakistan now ranks as the fifth-largest recipient of remittances globally and second in South Asia, with these inflows serving as a cornerstone for maintaining the stability of the nation’s external accounts.
Strong foreign exchange reserves and RDA milestones
The SBP’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at approximately $16.3 billion, while total reserves are close to $21.6 billion. Since its inception in 2020, the RDA scheme has crossed significant benchmarks, with over 900,000 accounts established and cumulative investments surpassing $12 billion by the end of February 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz extended his congratulations to Finance Minister Aurangzeb, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the participating banks for their role in achieving these milestones.
Minister invites global investors to explore opportunities
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan is fully prepared to welcome investors. He highlighted that a combination of policy reforms, a robust digital infrastructure, and expanded financial services has created a transparent, secure, and investor-friendly environment.
Aurangzeb urged investors from across the globe to seize the opportunities emerging in Pakistan and become active participants in shaping the nation’s economic future.
