• Overseas remittances likely to hit $42bn next year
• Nearly a million accounts already opened with investment exceeding $12bn, PM told

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to expand the scope of Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs), allowing foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors to invest in the digital accounts.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the decision was made on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he presided over a meeting on the RDAs.

“Foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors will now be allowed to invest in Roshan Digital Accounts, government securities and Naya Pakistan Certificates,” said an official press release issued by the PMO.

It maintained that the initiative reflected efforts to strengthen links with financial markets and promote foreign investment through digital platforms. “The overseas Pakistani community, comprising approximately 11 million people, is among the largest and most dynamic communities in the world,” it added.

The PM congratulated the finance minister, the State Bank of Pakistan, and participating banks on this success.

The prime minister said expanding the scope of Roshan Digital Accounts to foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors would further strengthen Pakistan as an attractive investment destination and broaden financial markets.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said, “Pakistan is ready for investment.” Through government reforms, a strong digital system and expanded financial facilities, a transparent, secure and enabling environment was being provided, he added.

According to the State Bank, remittances had reached $38.3bn in fiscal year 2025, an increase of 26.6pc compared to the previous year. Remittances are expected to reach $42bn in fiscal year 2026.

The State Bank’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at approximately $16.3bn, while total reserves are close to $21.6bn.

Over the past five and a half years, Roshan Digital Accounts have achieved significant success. By the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 accounts had been opened and total investments had exceeded $12bn, the meeting was informed.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2026