Roshan Digital Accounts Top 966,000 as Deposits Cross $13.9 Billion

KARACHI: The number of Roshan Digital Accounts opened by overseas Pakistanis has climbed to 966,144, while total deposits through the programme have exceeded $13.9 billion, according to figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan. The latest data, covering August 2026, shows continued participation by Pakistanis living abroad in the banking and investment platform designed to give them direct access to the country's financial system.

Overseas Pakistanis opened 9,354 new Roshan Digital Accounts during August, pushing the cumulative number of accounts above 966,000. Deposits received during the month amounted to $259 million, contributing to total inflows of more than $13.9 billion since the programme was launched. The figures indicate that fresh funds continued to enter the system even as account holders also made withdrawals and used money for transactions inside Pakistan.

According to the central bank data, withdrawals from Roshan Digital Accounts amounted to $1.2 million during August. Cumulative withdrawals reached $2.13 billion. At the same time, $164 million from the accounts was used locally during the month, taking the total amount utilised inside Pakistan to approximately $8.7 billion.

The data showed that around $3 billion remained deposited in Roshan Digital Accounts by the end of August 2026. Account holders have also channelled significant funds into investment products available through the programme. Investments in Naya Pakistan Conventional Certificates stood at $716 million, while Naya Pakistan Islamic Certificates attracted approximately $1.332 billion.

Roshan Equity Investment accounted for another $166 million, reflecting participation by overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan's capital market through the digital account framework. Combined investment through the programme has exceeded $2.2 billion over the past six years, demonstrating that the accounts are being used not only for deposits and payments but also for longer-term investment products.

Roshan Digital Accounts were established to allow non-resident Pakistanis to remotely open accounts with participating banks and access a range of financial services without requiring a conventional branch-based account-opening process in Pakistan. The platform provides overseas Pakistanis with channels for deposits, investments and domestic payments while allowing eligible funds to be repatriated under applicable banking rules.

The latest figures are significant for Pakistan because overseas inflows remain an important source of foreign currency for the economy. Growth in account numbers and deposits provides an additional formal channel connecting overseas Pakistanis with domestic banking and investment markets, while the large amount already used locally shows the programme's role in directing foreign funds into economic activity inside the country.

Future monthly data from the State Bank will show whether the pace of new account openings and deposits continues during the remainder of the year. Attention will also remain on the amount retained in accounts and the share directed toward government certificates, equities and domestic spending as overseas Pakistanis continue using the digital banking platform.