Pakistan receives $10.9 billion via Roshan Digital Account since its launch
Nearly two-thirds of inflows have been utilized domestically, providing crucial support to Pakistan’s foreign reserves amid economic uncertainty
Haris Zamir
Business Editor
Experience of almost 33 years where started the journey of financial journalism from Business Recorder in 1992. From 2006 onwards attached with Television Media worked at Sun Tv, Dawn Tv, Geo Tv and Dunya Tv. During the period also worked as a stringer for Bloomberg for seven years and Dow Jones for five years. Also wrote articles for several highly acclaimed periodicals like the Newsline, Pakistan Gulf Economist and Money Matters (The News publications)
Pakistan has received $10.91 billion through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) as of August, with nearly two-thirds of the inflows utilized domestically, a trend officials say has helped ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shows that since the RDA’s launch in September 2020, $7 billion (64% of total inflows) have been used onshore, while $1.86 billion has been repatriated abroad.
The remainder—around $2.05 billion—remains potentially repatriable.
The RDA was introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to attract overseas Pakistanis and stabilize capital flows during a time of widespread outflows.
The digital banking platform allows non-resident Pakistanis to invest in local assets, pay bills, and repatriate funds freely.
The market observers say the domestic use of RDA inflows has been instrumental in reducing Pakistan’s external financing needs, especially at a time when foreign direct investment has remained elusive.
“Roshan Digital Accounts have proven to be a critical buffer against external shocks,” Dr. Aisha Siddiqui, an analyst, said.
“Without this channel, Pakistan’s foreign reserves would be under far greater stress, particularly given the capital market volatility and weak investor sentiment.”
While RDA inflows have averaged around $2 billion annually, experts suggest the figure could increase if Pakistan secures broader economic support, particularly from Gulf allies such as Saudi Arabia.
Despite global economic headwinds and repeated engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the State Bank has maintained foreign exchange reserves above $14 billion in recent months—a level that has helped stabilize the rupee and signal external account strength to investors.
Pakistan also recorded a rare current account surplus in fiscal year 2025, the first in a decade.
However, the balance turned negative in the first two months of FY26, driven by a rise in profit and dividend outflows.
The country nonetheless repaid $500 million in Eurobond obligations last week, underscoring its commitment to meeting debt repayments.
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