Pakistan's financial landscape has witnessed a significant development with the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) scheme. A game-changer for overseas Pakistanis, the RDA has attracted substantial investments, and the latest figures are nothing short of impressive.
In October 2025, Pakistan received a whopping $205 million in gross inflows through the RDA, pushing the total funds received since its inception in September 2020 to a remarkable $11.313 billion. This steady growth in investments showcases the scheme's popularity and the confidence it inspires among overseas Pakistanis.
But here's where it gets interesting: the $205 million investment in October exceeded the six-month and long-term averages, indicating an upward trend. Net inflows, which represent the funds after accounting for repatriations, also surpassed the average, standing at $180 million for the month. This sustained confidence is a testament to the scheme's success.
And this is the part most people miss: the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted a Treasury Bill (T-bill) auction, raising a substantial Rs493 billion. Despite a slight shortfall in acceptance, the auction attracted bids totaling Rs1,562 billion across various tenures, highlighting the market's liquidity.
In the three-month segment, the auction drew impressive bids, with Rs347 billion offered against a Rs150 billion target. The one-month bills followed a similar trend, with Rs112 billion accepted out of Rs791 billion in bids. However, the six-month paper saw less acceptance, with only Rs15 billion raised from bids of Rs357 billion.
Weighted average yields remained steady, with the overall auction average at 11.32%.
In a separate auction, the 10-year Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIB) Floating Rate Semi-Annual (PFL-SA) notes attracted Rs728 billion in bids, but only Rs55 billion was accepted, resulting in an effective rate of 11.75%.
The SBP also managed secondary market liquidity through a buyback auction of five- and 10-year PFL bonds, accepting bids worth Rs122.1 billion.
As for the Pakistani rupee, it strengthened against the US dollar, closing at 280.77 on Wednesday, a slight appreciation. Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan softened, despite a rise in the international market, influenced by the anticipation of a US government reopening.
According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), gold prices dropped by Rs1,000 per tola, while silver prices increased by Rs81 per tola.
Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, commented on gold's price movement, noting its break above the $4,155 resistance level. He suggested that the $4,100 level could provide strong support, potentially leading to prices reaching $4,200 to $4,220.
So, what do you think? Is the RDA scheme a sustainable investment option for overseas Pakistanis? And how will the recent developments in the financial markets impact the country's economic landscape? Feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
