As of January 31, 2025, the total inflows through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) reached an impressive $9.564 billion. The majority of this amount has been used within Pakistan.
Domestic Utilization of RDA Funds
Out of the total inflows, $6.052 billion was spent within Pakistan. Meanwhile, $1.711 billion was repatriated back abroad. After these transactions, the net amount available for repatriation stands at $1.8 billion.
Background of RDA Launch
The Roshan Digital Account was launched in 2020 by Pakistan, primarily to counter the outflows of over $4 billion caused by COVID-19. However, despite its potential, it did not fully replace the initial investment in domestic bonds, and the total inflows have remained relatively small.
Trust Issues with Overseas Investments
Experts believe that overseas Pakistanis investing in government-backed securities have faced trust issues. Political instability in the country has hindered economic stability, making it difficult for people to fully trust the system.
Pakistan’s Dollar Shortage and Debt Issues
Despite record remittances, Pakistan still faces a significant shortage of foreign currency. The country is struggling with foreign debt repayments. Sources suggest that the recent visit of President Zardari to China was aimed at securing a debt rollover, as around $9 billion in Chinese debt will mature by June 2025.
Revised Buyback Rules by the State Bank of Pakistan
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued new rules for the buyback of government securities. These changes include a new process for conducting auctions for government bonds and securities, including MTBs and PIBs. The auction details and results will be available on the SBP website and other financial platforms.
