Pakistan Raises National Savings Profit Rates From October 21, 2026
The federal government has increased profit rates on several National Savings schemes in Pakistan, giving investors higher returns on selected savings certificates and income accounts from October 21, 2026.
The revised rates cover schemes designed for regular income, retirement savings, senior citizens and eligible families of martyrs. Returns on Defence Savings Certificates, Short Term Savings Certificates and Sharia-compliant savings products have also increased.
However, the profit rate on ordinary National Savings Accounts remains unchanged at 10% per year.
The changes could benefit existing and prospective investors, although the actual amount received will depend on the scheme, investment amount, maturity period, applicable taxes and any Zakat deductions.
Updated National Savings Profit Rates
According to the revised schedule issued by the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS), several schemes now offer higher returns.
| National Savings scheme | Previous rate | Revised rate |
|---|---|---|
| Behbood Savings Certificates | 12.72% | 12.96% |
| Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts | 12.72% | 12.96% |
| Shuhada’s Family Welfare Accounts | 12.72% | 12.96% |
| Regular Income Certificates | 11.76% | 12.12% |
| Special Savings Certificates — first five profit payments | 11.60% | 12.00% |
| Special Savings Certificates — sixth profit payment | 12.40% | 12.80% |
| Sarwa Islamic Savings Accounts | 11.33% | 11.84% |
| Ordinary Savings Accounts | 10.00% | 10.00% |
The revised rates became effective on October 21, 2026. Investors should confirm the applicable terms with National Savings before purchasing or renewing a certificate.
How Much Monthly Profit Can Investors Receive?
The higher rates increase the returns available under schemes that pay profit monthly.
For an investment of Rs100,000, the reported monthly returns are:
| Scheme | Previous monthly profit | New monthly profit |
|---|---|---|
| Behbood Savings Certificate | Rs1,060 | Rs1,080 |
| Pensioners’ Benefit Account | Rs1,060 | Rs1,080 |
| Shuhada’s Family Welfare Account | Rs1,060 | Rs1,080 |
| Regular Income Certificate | Rs980 | Rs1,010 |
These figures are before applicable withholding tax and any relevant deductions.
The increase is relatively modest for an individual Rs100,000 investment, but the additional income becomes more noticeable for investors with larger eligible investments.
For example, an eligible investor holding Rs1 million in a Regular Income Certificate would receive approximately Rs10,100 per month at the revised rate, compared with Rs9,800 previously, before deductions.
Eligibility conditions and investment limits vary by scheme. Investors should check the official rules before making an investment decision.
Special Savings Certificates Offer Higher Six-Month Payments
The government has also revised returns on Special Savings Certificates.
Under the updated schedule, the first five profit payments on a Rs100,000 investment are Rs6,000 each, compared with Rs5,800 previously. The sixth and final payment rises to Rs6,400 from Rs6,200.
This means the investor receives an additional Rs200 on each of the six scheduled profit payments, subject to the certificate’s terms.
Special Savings Certificates follow a six-month profit-payment schedule, so their returns should not be compared directly with schemes that pay monthly.
Investors should also distinguish between the profit payment and the return of their original investment at maturity.
Defence Savings Certificates: Higher Cumulative Returns
The revised schedule increases cumulative returns on Defence Savings Certificates across several maturity periods.
| Maturity period | Previous cumulative return | Revised cumulative return |
|---|---|---|
| 6 years | 86% | 88% |
| 7 years | 109% | 113% |
| 8 years | 136% | 142% |
| 9 years | 168% | 176% |
| 10 years | 205% | 215% |
These percentages represent cumulative returns over the stated maturity periods, not annual profit rates.
For instance, a 215% cumulative return over 10 years is not the same as earning 215% every year. Investors should consult the official maturity schedule to understand the total amount payable and the treatment of their original principal.
Short Term Savings Certificates Also Become More Attractive
The government has increased returns on Short Term Savings Certificates, which are intended for investors who prefer shorter investment periods.
The rate on three-month certificates has increased from 10.80% to 11.12%. The revised schedule provides rates of up to 11.72% for longer maturities.
These products may suit investors who do not want to commit their money for several years. However, the best option depends on the investor’s liquidity needs, the certificate’s maturity and the return available under other products.
Investors should check the exact rate for the chosen term rather than assuming that the maximum advertised rate applies to every short-term certificate.
Sharia-Compliant National Savings Products
Returns have also increased on selected Sharia-compliant National Savings products.
Sarwa Islamic Term Accounts now offer reported rates ranging from 11.84% to 12.12%, depending on maturity. The rate on Sarwa Islamic Savings Accounts has increased from 11.33% to 11.84%.
These products are designed for customers seeking Sharia-compliant savings options. Investors should review the official product documentation, account structure and applicable terms to understand how returns are determined and paid.
Which Investors Could Benefit Most?
The impact of the revised schedule varies according to an investor’s needs and eligibility.
- Pensioners: Eligible retirees may benefit from the higher rate on Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts.
- Senior citizens: Behbood Savings Certificates may offer higher regular income to eligible investors.
- Eligible families of martyrs: Shuhada’s Family Welfare Accounts have also received a rate increase.
- Investors seeking monthly income: Regular Income Certificates now provide a higher reported monthly return.
- Short-term savers: Higher Short Term Savings Certificate rates may appeal to investors seeking shorter maturities.
- Sharia-conscious savers: Sarwa Islamic products offer revised returns under their respective terms.
- Long-term investors: Defence Savings Certificates now show higher cumulative returns at several maturities.
No single scheme is automatically the best choice for everyone. Liquidity, eligibility, tax treatment, maturity and personal financial objectives all matter.
Taxes and Zakat Can Reduce the Amount Received
National Savings profit is subject to applicable withholding tax and, where prescribed, Zakat deductions.
According to the reported official schedule, withholding tax is 15% for filers and 30% for non-filers. Zakat may also apply under the relevant rules.
As an illustration, a gross monthly profit of Rs1,010 on a Rs100,000 Regular Income Certificate would leave Rs858 after a 15% withholding-tax deduction, or Rs707 after a 30% deduction, before any other applicable deductions.
These examples assume the stated withholding rates apply to the investor. Individual circumstances and the latest tax rules should be checked before calculating net income.
Investors should compare the amount they will actually receive after deductions, rather than relying only on the advertised gross rate.
Ordinary Savings Accounts Remain Unchanged
Not every National Savings product received a rate increase.
The profit rate on ordinary Savings Accounts remains at 10% per annum. This means customers using that account will not receive a higher return solely because of the October 21 revision.
Anyone considering moving money into another scheme should first check withdrawal conditions, investment limits, maturity requirements and whether the new product suits their financial needs.
Conclusion
The October 21 revision increases returns on several National Savings products in Pakistan, including Regular Income Certificates, Special Savings Certificates, Defence Savings Certificates and selected Sharia-compliant accounts.
The changes may provide additional income to eligible investors, particularly those using products designed for monthly payments. However, ordinary Savings Accounts remain at 10% annually, and taxes and other deductions can reduce net returns.
Before investing, customers should check the official CDNS schedule, verify their eligibility and compare the full terms of each product.
Editorial note: Rates and example payments in this article are based on the National Savings schedule effective October 21, 2026, and reporting by Dawn. Confirm current rates, eligibility, investment limits, tax treatment and maturity terms with National Savings before investing.