RDA scheme expanded to deepen financial markets, attract global investment: PM

• Premier Shehbaz says scope of RDA scheme extended to foreign investors to attract greater foreign investment through a digital platform

• Says foreign nationals, companies, and institutional investors will now be able to open Roshan Digital Accounts and invest in govt securities, including Naya Pakistan Certificates

• Highlights role of overseas Pakistanis, saying those residing in the ME, EU, North America and Far East continue to contribute to host economies while supporting families and communities back home

• Calls overseas Pakistanis not only a vital pillar of national economy but also serve as ambassadors of Pakistan’s culture, business potential, and values worldwide

• Urges citizens to switch off lights from 8:30–9:30 pm on March 28 for Earth Hour

• Highlights climate-resilient programs and initiatives to tackle environmental risks

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a major expansion of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme, extending its scope to foreign investors, companies, and institutional players, in a move aimed at deepening Pakistan’s financial markets and attracting greater foreign investment through a digital platform, state media reported.

Describing the decision as “timely and sagacious,” the premier said it would further position Pakistan as an attractive investment destination while strengthening linkages with global financial markets.

“This timely and sagacious decision will further strengthen Pakistan as an attractive investment destination and expand financial markets, as the overseas Pakistani community—comprising approximately 11 million people—is among the largest and most dynamic in the world,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted him as saying.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی ہدایت پر حکومتِ پاکستان کا روشن ڈیجیٹل اکاؤنٹ (RDA) کے دائرہ کار کو وسیع کرنے کا فیصلہ

یہ اقدام مالیاتی منڈیوں سے روابط بڑھانے اور ڈیجیٹل پلیٹ فارم کے ذریعے غیر ملکی سرمایہ کاری کے فروغ کا مظہر ہے۔ تقریباً 1 کروڑ 10 لاکھ پاکستانیوں پر مشتمل بیرونِ ملک… pic.twitter.com/1VwTX5go43

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 27, 2026

The development follows an announcement made on March 16 by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding the government’s plan to broaden the scope of the initiative.

According to the PMO, under the expanded framework, foreign nationals, companies, and institutional investors will now be able to open Roshan Digital Accounts and invest in government securities, including Naya Pakistan Certificates.

Highlighting the role of overseas Pakistanis, the statement noted that those residing in the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East continue to contribute to host economies while supporting families and communities back home.

It emphasised that overseas Pakistanis are not only a vital pillar of the national economy but also serve as ambassadors of Pakistan’s culture, business potential, and values worldwide.

Citing data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the PMO said remittances reached $38.3 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, marking a 26.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

“Remittances are expected to reach $42 billion in the 2026 fiscal year,” it added, noting that the strong performance reflects the continued confidence and support of overseas Pakistanis.

Pakistan, the statement said, has emerged as the fifth-largest recipient of remittances globally and the second-largest in South Asia, with inflows remaining a key factor in stabilising the country’s external accounts.

The PMO further noted that SBP’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at approximately $16.3 billion, while total reserves are close to $21.6 billion.

Since its launch in 2020, the RDA scheme has achieved significant milestones. By the end of February 2026, more than 900,000 accounts had been opened, with total investments exceeding $12 billion.

Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Finance Minister Aurangzeb, the SBP, and participating banks on the scheme’s success.

Separately, the finance minister said Pakistan was ready for investment.

“Through government reforms, a strong digital system, and expanded financial facilities, a transparent, secure, and conducive environment is being provided,” Aurangzeb said.

“Investors around the world are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities in Pakistan and become part of the country’s economic future,” he added.

PM urges nationwide participation in Earth Hour

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon the nation to actively participate in the global observance of Earth Hour by switching off unnecessary lights for one hour—from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on March 28—as a symbolic yet powerful step towards environmental protection and climate awareness.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to the public to observe Earth Hour on March 28, 2026, by turning off or using electricity at a minimum from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This year, Earth Hour is being celebrated under the theme "Give an Hour for Earth". pic.twitter.com/gpVLKuaHKO

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 26, 2026

In his message on the occasion, the premier said that amid mounting environmental challenges, the global campaign serves as an important reminder that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Give an Hour for Earth,” aims to promote awareness about environmental conservation, efficient energy use, and climate change mitigation.

The prime minister said Earth Hour is not merely symbolic but a moment of global reflection that encourages renewed commitment towards building a sustainable and resilient future.

Highlighting the seriousness of climate risks, he observed that although Pakistan contributes less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

He pointed out that extreme weather events—including devastating floods and prolonged droughts—are threatening daily life, food and water security, and critical infrastructure across the country.

PM Shehbaz said the government was pursuing a climate-resilient development agenda, focusing on reforms in water management and agriculture, investments in renewable energy, promotion of green technologies, improvements in urban systems, and ecosystem protection.

He further highlighted key initiatives such as the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme, Living Indus Initiative, and Recharge Pakistan, along with the installation of modern early warning systems in flood-affected areas, as part of efforts to restore ecological balance and strengthen climate resilience.

Urging citizens to support the campaign, the prime minister stressed that the message of Earth Hour should be transformed into a sustained national habit.

“Collective action today will help secure a greener, safer, and more resilient future for coming generations,” he said.