ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to expand its Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme to foreign nationals, companies and institutional investors in a bid to attract capital amid rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Friday.
The decision comes as escalating tensions in the Middle East, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, continue to disrupt global energy markets and raise concerns for oil-importing countries like Pakistan.
Under the expanded framework, foreign investors will be allowed to invest in government securities and financial instruments, including Naya Pakistan Certificates, through digital banking channels, according to an official statement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the move would strengthen Pakistan’s position as an attractive investment destination and help deepen the country’s financial markets.
The Roshan Digital Account scheme, launched in 2020 by the State Bank of Pakistan, enables overseas Pakistanis to open bank accounts and invest in domestic instruments remotely. The programme has seen significant uptake, with more than 900,000 accounts opened and inflows exceeding $12 billion as of February 2026.
Pakistan continues to rely heavily on remittances to support its external account, with inflows reaching $38.3 billion in the fiscal year 2025 and expected to grow further, according to central bank data.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the expansion reflects the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and investor-friendly environment through digital financial systems and ongoing reforms.
He added that Pakistan is open for investment and invited global investors to explore opportunities in the country.
