Islamabad November 08, 2021: A webinar for promotion of Roshan Digital Account (RDA) was arranged by the Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto, in collaboration with Bank Al Habib, Pakistan, on November 3, 2021. The objective of the webinar was to create awareness among the Pakistani diaspora in Canada about this great initiative by government of Pakistan, and introduction of the products, services and facilities being offered under this by various commercial banks in Pakistan.
The Consul General of Pakistan, Toronto, Mr. Abdul Hameed, made the welcome remarks in the webinar. Other speakers included Syed Irfan Ali, Managing Director, Deposit Protection Corporation, State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Mansoor Ali Khan, CEO Bank Al-Habib Ltd., Syed Irfan Ali, Managing Director, Deposit Protection Corporation, State Bank of Pakistan, Mr Aun Ali, Group Head Business, Bank Al Habib, Mr. Qambar Ali, Head-Roshan Digital Account, Bank Al Habib, and Mr. Saif Abbas, Islamic Banking Division, Bank Al Habib. While welcoming the participants of the webinar, the Consul General reiterated the stance of the hon’ble Prime Minister of Pakistan, terming overseas Pakistanis as one of the biggest asset of the country and his resolve to engage overseas Pakistan in the nation building activities and initiatives taken by the present government.
The Consul General also highlighted the huge contribution being made the Pakistani diaspora in the shape of foreign exchange remittance, which peaked at US$29.4 during fiscal year 2020-21 (27% higher than the remittance received during the Fiscal Year 2019-20). Terming the RDA initiative a huge success, he shared that overseas Pakistani have wholeheartedly welcomed this revolutionary step from the present government and remitted more than US$2.4 billion in more than 250,000 accounts opened so far from 175 countries.
Out of these, more than US$1.6 billion have been invested in Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) The Consul General also underlined the importance of such webinars, as these provide the opportunity to the community to gain first-hand information from the people running the show, and to get direct answers to their queries and to clear any misconceptions or disinformation. Syed Irfan Ali, from State Bank of Pakistan, mentioned the salient features of the RDA scheme.
He also assured the participants about the security of their investments and stated that all investments are owed and guaranteed by the government of Pakistan. Further, all investments made in the NPCs can be terminated without any penalty, as and when desired by the investor. The CEO Bank Al Habib and other senior representative from the Bank highlighted the services offered by Bank Al Habib to overseas Pakistanis under RDA initiative.
It was informed that a special RDA section has been created within the bank, which works 24/7 round the year, and responds to any queries and issues faced by the overseas Pakistanis. It was further mentioned that Roshan Digital Account (RDA) provides an excellent opportunity to overseas Pakistanis for investing in Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs), in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), in real estate, and avail facilities under the newly added products like Roshan Apni Car scheme, Roshan Samaji Khidmat and Roshan Apna Ghar. During the webinar, a large number of questions were received from the participants, which were responded by Syed Irfan Ali and the representatives of Bank Al Habib.
The webinar ended with closing remarks from Mr. Abdul Hameed, Consul General, Syed Irfan Ali, ED SBP, Mansoor Ali Khan, CEO BAHL and other senior management of the bank.
