Pakistan National Savings Profit Rates Increased: Which Schemes Will Pay More from October 21?

Islamabad, October 21, 2026: The Government of Pakistan has increased profit rates on several National Savings schemes, offering improved returns to eligible savers, pensioners, senior citizens and other investors. The revised rates took effect on October 21, 2026, according to the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS).

The changes cover Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts, Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts, Regular Income Certificates, Special Savings Certificates, Defence Savings Certificates, Short-Term Savings Certificates and selected Islamic savings products.

However, the ordinary National Savings Account rate remains unchanged at 10% per annum.

When Will the New National Savings Rates Apply?

The revised profit rates are effective from October 21, 2026. Investors should check the applicable rate for their particular product, investment date and payment schedule with National Savings before making a new investment or calculating their expected income.

Which National Savings Schemes Will Give More Profit?

Here is a breakdown of the major changes and what they mean for investors.

1. Behbood Savings Certificates: Rate Increased to 12.96%

The profit rate on Behbood Savings Certificates has increased from 12.72% to 12.96% per annum.

For an investment of Rs 100,000, the reported monthly profit rises from Rs 1,060 to Rs 1,080, an increase of Rs 20 per month before applicable deductions.

This scheme is designed for eligible categories, including senior citizens and other qualifying beneficiaries. Investors should confirm the eligibility requirements before applying.

2. Pensioners’ Benefit Account: Higher Monthly Income

The profit rate on the Pensioners’ Benefit Account has also increased from 12.72% to 12.96% per annum.

On an investment of Rs 100,000, the reported monthly profit rises from Rs 1,060 to Rs 1,080.

The change may help eligible pensioners seeking a regular income from their savings. Eligibility and account conditions still apply.

3. Shuhada Family Welfare Account: Profit Rate Rises

The Shuhada Family Welfare Account rate has increased from 12.72% to 12.96% per annum.

The monthly profit on Rs 100,000 rises from Rs 1,060 to Rs 1,080 before deductions. The scheme remains subject to its specific eligibility and documentation requirements.

4. Regular Income Certificates: Monthly Profit Increases

The Regular Income Certificate rate has increased from 11.76% to 12.12% per annum.

For every Rs 100,000 invested, the reported monthly profit increases from Rs 980 to Rs 1,010.

That represents an additional Rs 30 per month, or Rs 360 over 12 months if the stated monthly payment continues at that rate and the investment remains eligible under the applicable terms.

Regular Income Certificates may appeal to investors who prefer periodic monthly payments rather than waiting until the end of an investment term.

5. Special Savings Certificates: Higher Six-Monthly Payments

The rate for the first five profit payments on Special Savings Certificates has increased from 11.6% to 12% per annum.

Under the revised schedule, an investment of Rs 100,000 earns Rs 6,000 for each of the first five six-monthly payments. The sixth and final payment is Rs 6,400, reflecting a rate of 12.8% for that payment period.

These certificates have a three-year term, with profit payable every six months. Investors should check the applicable terms for their particular certificate or account.

6. Defence Savings Certificates: Higher Returns at Longer Maturities

The cumulative profit rates on Defence Savings Certificates have also increased at several maturity periods.

Investment period	Previous cumulative rate	Revised cumulative rate
6 years	86%	88%
7 years	109%	113%
8 years	136%	142%
9 years	168%	176%
10 years	205%	215%

The revised cumulative rate for a certificate held for 10 years is 215%, compared with 205% previously.

These figures represent cumulative returns over the specified holding periods, not annual profit rates. Investors should review the official maturity schedule and early-encashment rules before investing.

7. Short-Term Savings Certificates: Higher Returns for Shorter Investments

The profit rate on three-month Short-Term Savings Certificates has increased from 10.80% to 11.12% per annum.

Rates for longer short-term maturities have also been revised upwards, with the new schedule reaching 11.72%, depending on the selected maturity.

Short-term certificates may suit people who want to keep their money invested for a defined period rather than commit to a longer-term product. The actual return depends on the certificate's tenure and applicable payment conditions.

8. Sarwa Islamic Savings Products: Higher Profit Rates

Investors looking for Sharia-compliant National Savings options will also see revised rates.

The Sarwa Islamic Savings Account rate has increased from 11.33% to 11.84% per annum.

Sarwa Islamic Term Account rates now range from 11.84% to 12.12%, depending on the selected maturity.

Investors should consult the official product schedule for the precise rate, payment method, maturity period and terms of their chosen Islamic savings product.

Which Scheme Is Best for Your Investment?

The best option depends on your eligibility, how soon you may need your money and whether you want monthly, six-monthly or maturity-based payments.

• For eligible pensioners and senior citizens: Compare the Pensioners’ Benefit Account and Behbood Savings Certificates.
• For eligible families of martyrs: Check the Shuhada Family Welfare Account.
• For monthly income: Compare Regular Income Certificates with the schemes for which you qualify.
• For six-monthly income: Consider the payment structure of Special Savings Certificates.
• For longer-term savings: Review Defence Savings Certificates and their cumulative maturity returns.
• For Sharia-compliant options: Compare Sarwa Islamic Savings and Term Accounts.
• For short investment periods: Check Short-Term Savings Certificates.

Do not select a scheme based only on its headline percentage. Payment frequency, eligibility, maturity, access to your money, taxes and applicable deductions all affect the amount you ultimately receive.

What About the Ordinary National Savings Account?

The ordinary National Savings Account rate remains 10% per annum. It has not been increased under the latest revision.

This means the rate change does not benefit every National Savings customer equally. Investors should confirm the rate applicable to their existing account or certificate rather than assume all products have received an increase.

Tax and Deductions: What Investors Should Know

The published National Savings schedule states that withholding tax applies at 15% for filers and 30% for non-filers. Zakat may also be deducted where applicable under the relevant rules.

As a result, the profit credited to an investor may be lower than the headline amount. Individual tax treatment and eligibility for exemptions can differ, so confirm the applicable deductions before calculating your net income.

Why Does This Increase Matter?

For people relying on savings to supplement pensions or meet regular household expenses, even a modest increase can make a difference. The revised rates also give savers a reason to compare products again, particularly if they are considering a new investment.

However, the increase is not uniform across every product, and a higher advertised rate does not automatically make a scheme the best choice for every investor. Inflation, liquidity needs, tax deductions and the length of time money remains invested should all be considered.

Final Analysis

Pakistan's latest National Savings revision, effective October 21, 2026, raises returns on several certificates and income accounts. The strongest headline rate among the highlighted monthly-income schemes is 12.96% for Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts, subject to eligibility.

Regular Income Certificates now offer 12.12%, while Special Savings Certificates have a revised six-monthly payment structure. Defence Savings Certificates and Islamic savings products have also received changes. The ordinary Savings Account, however, remains at 10%.

The practical lesson for investors is simple: check the new official rate for your particular scheme, calculate the return after deductions, and choose a product that matches your income needs and investment horizon.

Official Sources

• National Savings Pakistan — Latest Profit Rates: https://savings.gov.pk/latest-profit-rates/
• Dawn — Profit rates on National Savings schemes increased from Oct 21: https://www.dawn.com/news/2038739/profit-rates-on-national-savings-schemes-increased-from-oct-21

This article is for general information and news purposes only. It is not personalised financial or investment advice. Confirm current rates, eligibility and deductions directly with National Savings before investing.

Pakistan National Savings,