Islamabad: The government is examining policy options to attract up to USD 20 billion held abroad by Pakistani expatriates, as authorities look to strengthen foreign exchange inflows amid evolving global economic and geopolitical conditions.
According to a report, a significant portion of these funds—estimated at around Rs5.6 trillion—is currently parked in the Middle East and Europe. The assets were previously declared under the 2018 and 2019 tax amnesty schemes but were not repatriated to Pakistan.
Officials said the matter is under policy-level discussion, with a focus on creating regulated and transparent channels to bring these funds into the formal economy. One of the key options under consideration is expanding the scope of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) framework. The platform, originally designed for overseas Pakistanis, may be broadened to include foreign nationals, companies, and even domestic investors to widen the investment base.
The government is also reviewing targeted incentives, particularly in the real estate sector, to encourage overseas investment. A proposal being considered includes a 10% tax on declared property values purchased by overseas Pakistanis, along with safeguards to ensure that only documented and compliant funds are eligible.
Data shows that around 82,889 declarations were filed under the earlier amnesty schemes, generating approximately Rs194 billion in tax revenue. However, these disclosures did not translate into meaningful capital inflows into the country.
Officials indicated that new policy measures could be introduced either in the upcoming federal budget or earlier, subject to necessary approvals.
Analysts say that even partial repatriation of these offshore assets could provide support to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. However, they caution that sustained inflows will depend on policy consistency, investor confidence, and the credibility of regulatory frameworks.
The government has reiterated its intent to align any new measures with international financial regulations while ensuring transparency and compliance in attracting overseas investment.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
