The government of Pakistan has increased profit rates on several National Savings schemes, offering higher returns to investors, pensioners, senior citizens and families of martyrs. The revised rates took effect on October 21, 2026, following an updated schedule issued by the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS).
The changes cover several popular investment products, including Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts, Shuhada’s Family Welfare Accounts, Regular Income Certificates and Special Savings Certificates. Returns on Defence Savings Certificates, Short Term Savings Certificates and Sharia-compliant savings schemes have also been revised upwards.
However, the profit rate on ordinary Savings Accounts remains unchanged at 10% per year.
Higher Monthly Returns for Pensioners and Senior Citizens
Under the revised schedule, the profit rate on Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts and Shuhada’s Family Welfare Accounts has increased from 12.72% to 12.96%.
The increase means eligible investors will receive higher returns on their savings under these schemes.
For an investment of Rs. 100,000, the monthly profit has increased from Rs. 1,060 to Rs. 1,080. This represents an additional Rs. 20 per month for every Rs. 100,000 invested, before applicable deductions.
These schemes are designed for specific categories of investors, including senior citizens, pensioners and eligible family members of martyrs. Investors should check the eligibility conditions applicable to each product before making an investment.
Regular Income Certificates Offer Higher Profit
The profit rate on Regular Income Certificates has also been increased, moving from 11.76% to 12.12%.
Under the revised rate, an investment of Rs. 100,000 will generate a monthly return of Rs. 1,010, compared with Rs. 980 under the previous schedule.
This change raises the monthly return by Rs. 30 for every Rs. 100,000 invested, before taxes and any other applicable deductions.
Regular Income Certificates may interest investors seeking periodic income from their savings. The actual amount received will depend on the investment value and applicable deductions.
Special Savings Certificates Rates Revised
The government has increased the profit rate on Special Savings Certificates to 12% for the first five profit payments, up from 11.6%.
Under the revised schedule, investors holding certificates with an investment of Rs. 100,000 will receive Rs. 6,000 for each of the first five six-monthly profit payments.
The sixth and final profit payment will be Rs. 6,400, calculated at a rate of 12.8%.
This structure means returns differ across the payment periods. Investors should review the applicable terms and payment schedule to understand their expected earnings over the investment period.
Defence Savings Certificates Offer Higher Cumulative Returns
The government has also increased cumulative returns on Defence Savings Certificates across different maturity periods.
The revised rates include the following changes:
- Six-year certificates: Cumulative return increased from 86% to 88%.
- Seven-year certificates: Increased from 109% to 113%.
- Eight-year certificates: Increased from 136% to 142%.
- Nine-year certificates: Increased from 168% to 176%.
- Ten-year certificates: Increased from 205% to 215%.
These percentages represent cumulative returns over the stated maturity periods, rather than annual profit rates. Investors should consider the length of the investment and applicable terms when comparing these certificates with other National Savings products.
Short Term Savings Certificates Also Get Higher Rates
Profit rates on Short Term Savings Certificates have been revised upwards as well.
The rate for three-month certificates has increased from 10.80% to 11.12%. Under the revised schedule, rates for longer maturities reach up to 11.72%.
These certificates provide an option for people who prefer shorter investment periods instead of committing funds for several years.
The best choice will depend on an investor’s financial needs, the time for which funds can remain invested and the applicable terms of each certificate.
Sharia-Compliant Savings Schemes Offer Better Returns
The revised schedule also includes higher returns on Sharia-compliant National Savings products.
Profit rates on Sarwa Islamic Term Accounts now range between 11.84% and 12.12%, depending on the selected maturity period.
Meanwhile, the rate on Sarwa Islamic Savings Accounts has increased from 11.33% to 11.84%.
The changes provide improved stated returns for investors considering these Islamic savings products. Prospective investors should check the latest official product details to compare available options and understand their respective conditions.
Ordinary Savings Account Rate Remains Unchanged
Despite increases across several products, the government has maintained the profit rate on ordinary National Savings Accounts at 10% per annum.
This means account holders under this category will not receive an increase from the latest revision. Investors comparing savings options should therefore distinguish between ordinary Savings Accounts and the specific certificates or accounts whose rates have changed.
Taxes and Zakat Deductions Apply
According to the reported official schedule, profits from National Savings schemes are subject to withholding tax at 15% for tax filers and 30% for non-filers.
Zakat deductions also apply where required under the relevant rules.
As a result, the amount an investor receives after deductions may be lower than the stated profit. Investors should calculate their expected net returns after considering the applicable tax treatment and Zakat requirements.
What the New Rates Mean for Investors
The October 21 revision increases returns on several National Savings products, particularly those used by pensioners, senior citizens and investors seeking regular income.
The impact varies by scheme. For example, the monthly return on Rs. 100,000 invested in eligible pensioner and senior-citizen schemes has risen to Rs. 1,080, while Regular Income Certificates now provide a monthly return of Rs. 1,010 on the same investment amount.
Investors should compare profit rates, maturity periods, payment schedules, eligibility conditions and deductions before choosing a scheme. Checking the latest CDNS schedule is also important to confirm the exact terms that apply to a particular investment.
Also read: National Savings Revises Profit Rates for Major Schemes
