Roshan Digital Account Hits $12 Billion Milestone Amidst $22bn Trade Deficit Challenges. -

Pakistan’s Roshan Digital Account (RDA) has achieved a major milestone, with cumulative inflows officially surpassing $12 billion in February 2026. This peak follows a strong performance in January 2026, which saw monthly inflows of $216 million, bringing the total to $11.923 billion by the end of that month.

RDA Growth and Investment Breakdown

The initiative continues to be a vital digital gateway for the Pakistani diaspora, reflecting sustained confidence in the nation’s economic stability:

Account Registrations: The total number of accounts has crossed 901,764 as of early 2026, with over 8,600 new accounts opened in January alone.
Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs): These remain a primary investment vehicle, attracting over $1.5 billion in both conventional and Shariah-compliant versions.
Roshan Equity Investments: Net investments in the stock market via RDA stand at approximately $114 million.

Broader Economic Context: Trade and Market Performance

While RDA inflows remain a bright spot, other sectors of the economy are navigating significant challenges as of February 2026:

1. Widening Trade Deficit

Pakistan’s cumulative trade deficit for the first seven months of the fiscal year (7MFY26) widened by 28.2%, reaching $22.04 billion.

Cumulative Exports: Totalled $18.20 billion, a 7.1% decline compared to the same period last year.
Cumulative Imports: Rose by roughly 9.5% to $40.26 billion.
January 2026 Performance: Monthly data showed improvement, with a surplus in the current account of $121 million and a narrowed monthly trade deficit of $2.76 billion.

2. Afghan Border Blockade Impact

The ongoing closure of key border crossings, including Torkham, has severely impacted regional commerce since October 2025:

Financial Losses: Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan is losing an estimated $2 million daily.
Export Shortfall: Pakistani exporters are losing approximately $177 million (Rs 50 billion) per month due to the blockade.
Agricultural Crisis: A surplus of potatoes (12 million tons) and kinnows is facing rot or local price crashes because transit routes to Central Asia remain paralyzed.

3. Stock Market Volatility

The KSE-100 index experienced an intense crash on February 19, 2026, shedding 6,682 points (nearly 4%) to close at 172,170. The sell-off was triggered by regional geopolitical tensions and rising global oil prices, causing investors to retreat from energy and banking heavyweights.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes based on official data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. Financial figures and market trends are subject to change. Please consult official SBP resources for detailed investment terms.