The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officially launched InvestPak on Monday, a digital platform that empowers individuals to invest directly in government securities, thereby opening the Rs82 trillion sovereign debt market to ordinary citizens for the first time, according to an official statement.
Previously, investing in government bonds was largely restricted to banks, mutual funds, and wealthy individuals. The new web portal and mobile application eliminate the need for paperwork and intermediaries, allowing anyone with a bank account to purchase government securities directly from their phone.
Finance Minister Highlights Inclusivity and Digital Vision
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, who launched the platform in Karachi, stated that InvestPak advances the prime minister’s vision of a digitally enabled and financially inclusive economy. He remarked, "This is about making participation in the formal financial sector simpler, more inclusive, and more accessible for every segment of society."
Aurangzeb also noted that the platform would help banks focus on private sector lending. "As the investor base expands, banks will have greater space to focus on their core responsibility of lending to the private sector and supporting productive economic activity," he said.
SBP Governor Calls It a Defining Milestone
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad described InvestPak as "a defining milestone in the evolution of Pakistan's financial landscape." He explained that the platform reflects SBP's commitment to promoting inclusive and digital access to financial services under its Strategic Vision 2028.
The platform allows users to manage multiple PKR and IPS accounts across participating banks, providing a unified view of their investments. A dedicated call centre and online support have been established to assist users.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign Underway
A nationwide media campaign has been launched alongside the platform to drive adoption. "Technology alone does not change behaviour; awareness does," Ahmad said, adding that SBP intends to make sovereign investments a household conversation through print, social media, and FM radio.
