For individuals seeking secure and profitable investment options, the Government of Pakistan offers a range of National Savings Schemes and Sharia-compliant Sarwa Islamic Schemes.
These government-backed instruments provide competitive profit rates, regular income streams, and tax benefits for filers. Below is a detailed breakdown of each scheme, including eligibility criteria, profit percentages, and payout structures to help you make an informed decision.
Special Savings Certificate/Account
| Detail | Annual Profit Rate | Payout (Per Rs.100,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Profit No. 1 to 5 | 10.9% | Rs.5,450 (every 6 months) |
| Final Profit (No. 6) | 11.9% | Rs.5,950 (every 6 months) |
- Tax Deductions: Withholding tax applies (15% for filers, 35% for non-filers). Zakat (2.5%) deducted where applicable.
Defence Savings Certificate (Long-Term Investment)
| Year | Profit Rate | Year | Profit Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9% | 6 | 77% |
| 2 | 19% | 7 | 100% |
| 3 | 30% | 8 | 128% |
| 4 | 43% | 9 | 163% |
| 5 | 58% | 10 | 208% |
- Key Feature: Compounding returns make this ideal for long-term wealth growth.
- Tax Implications: Standard deductions apply.
Regular Income Certificate
- Monthly Payout: Rs.960 per Rs.100,000 (11.52% annual profit).
- Best For: Investors seeking a steady monthly income.
Behbood Savings Certificate (For Senior Citizens, Widows & Disabled Persons)
- Monthly Payout: Rs.1,120 per Rs.100,000 (13.44% annual profit).
- Investment Limits: Minimum Rs.5,000 – Maximum Rs.7,500,000.
Pensioner’s Benefit Account (Exclusive for Retired Government Employees)
- Monthly Payout: Rs.1,120 per Rs.100,000 (13.44% annual profit).
- Investment Limits: Minimum Rs.10,000 – Maximum Rs.7,500,000.
Shuhada’s Family Welfare Account (For Families of Martyrs)
- Same benefits as Behbood and Pensioner’s schemes.
Short-Term Savings Certificates
| Tenure | Annual Profit Rate | Payout (Per Rs.100,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Months | 11.24% | Rs.2,840 (lump sum) |
| 6-Months | 11.32% | Rs.5,680 (lump sum) |
| 1-Year | 11.30% | Rs.11,380 (lump sum) |
Savings Account
- Annual Profit Rate: 9.50%.
Sarwa Islamic Schemes (Sharia-Compliant Investments)
1. Sarwa Islamic Term Account (SITA)
| Tenure | Annual Profit Rate | Payout (Per Rs.100,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year | 10.34% | Rs.10,340 (at maturity) |
| 3-Year | 10.92% | Rs.5,460 (every 6 months) |
| 5-Year | 11.39% | Rs.949 (monthly) |
2. Sarwa Islamic Savings Account (SISA)
- Monthly Payout: Rs.861 per Rs.100,000 (10.34% annual profit).
Important Notes
- Taxation:
- Filers: 15% withholding tax on profits.
- Non-Filers: 35% withholding tax on profits.
- Zakat: 2.5% deducted if applicable.
- Eligibility: Certain schemes have restrictions (e.g., Behbood for seniors/widows).
- Profit Frequency: Varies by scheme (monthly, bi-annual, or lump sum).
Why Invest in National Savings Schemes?
- Government-guaranteed returns with minimal risk.
- Higher profit rates compared to conventional bank deposits.
- Flexible tenures for short-term and long-term investors.
- Sharia-compliant alternatives are available under Sarwa Islamic Schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
National Savings Schemes are government-backed investment instruments in Pakistan offering risk-free returns. They cater to diverse needs, such as monthly income (e.g., Regular Income Certificate), long-term growth (e.g., Defence Savings Certificate), and specialized groups (e.g., Behbood Scheme for seniors).
The Defense Savings Certificate offers the highest returns, with 208% profit by the 10th year. For short-term gains, Short-Term Savings Certificates (11.24–11.32% annually) or Behbood Savings Certificates (13.44% annually) are top choices.
Yes, the Sarwa Islamic Schemes (SITA and SISA) are Sharia-compliant. They offer profit rates like 10.34–11.39% annually without interest-based transactions.
The Behbood Scheme is exclusive to senior citizens (aged 60+), widows, and physically challenged individuals. The minimum investment is Rs.5,000.
Filers: 15% withholding tax on profits.
Non-Filers: 35% withholding tax.
Zakat: 2.5% deducted annually if applicable.
Yes, retired government employees can open a Pensioner’s Benefit Account (13.44% annual profit) alongside other schemes, subject to investment limits.
Short-Term Certificates (3-month, 6-month, 1-year) require a minimum investment of Rs.100,000, with lump-sum payouts at maturity.
Yes, profits are subject to the same tax rules (15% for filers, 35% for non-filers) as conventional schemes. Service charges may also apply.
This long-term scheme offers compounding profits, starting at 9% in Year 1 and rising to 208% by Year 10. Ideal for investors with a 10-year horizon.
Visit any National Savings Centre across Pakistan. Carry your CNIC, proof of eligibility (e.g., retirement documents for Pensioner’s Account), and tax filer status.
Most schemes are open only to Pakistani residents. Non-residents may need to consult specific rules or invest through authorized representatives.
Premature withdrawals may incur penalties or reduced profits, depending on the scheme. For example, Defence Savings Certificates require holding until maturity for full returns.
Profits are based on expected returns from Sharia-compliant assets. Rates are pre-declared (e.g., 10.34% for SISA) and paid monthly, bi-annually, or at maturity.
Regular Income Certificate: Rs.960/month per Rs.100,000.
Behbood/Pensioner’s Account: Rs.1,120/month per Rs.100,000 (higher rate).
Yes, all National Savings Schemes are government-guaranteed, making them among the safest investments in Pakistan.
For more details, visit your nearest National Savings Centre or consult a financial advisor.
National Savings Center Location in Islamabad
National Savings Contact details
- Website: https://savings.gov.pk/
- Central Directorate of National Savings, 23-N, Savings House, G-6 Markaz, Civic Centre, Islamabad. Pakistan
- Call Centre: 051-9226635, 051-9215741
- CDNS: 051-9215743. Complaints Resolution Cell (CRC): 051-9215747
- 051-111-267-268
- 051-9215761
- info@savings.gov.pk
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