Pakistan has announced an expansion of its Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme to welcome foreign nationals, companies, and institutional investors. This strategic move aims to attract additional capital during a period of heightened regional instability linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the prime minister’s office revealed on Friday.
In a significant development, the extension comes as tensions in the Middle East escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. These events have unsettled global energy markets, disrupting vital trade routes and raising concerns for oil-dependent economies like Pakistan.
Under the revised framework, foreign investors will gain access to government securities and financial instruments, including Naya Pakistan Certificates, through digital banking platforms. This initiative is expected to deepen Pakistan’s financial markets and enhance its appeal as an investment destination.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that broadening the RDA’s scope to include foreign individuals and entities will reinforce Pakistan’s position as an attractive hub for investment and contribute to the development of its financial sector.
Originally launched in 2020 by the State Bank of Pakistan, the RDA scheme enables overseas Pakistanis to open bank accounts and invest in domestic financial products remotely. The program has seen robust participation, with over 900,000 accounts opened and inflows surpassing $12 billion as of February 2026.
Remittances play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s external accounts, with inflows reaching $38.3 billion in the fiscal year 2025 and expected to increase further this year, central bank data.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted that the expansion reflects ongoing efforts to foster a transparent, investor-friendly environment through digital financial systems and reforms. He encouraged global investors to consider the opportunities available in Pakistan, affirming the country’s readiness for investment.
