National Savings completes preparations for paperless prize bonds with direct credit of winnings and enhanced digital services
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has completed preparations for the launch of Digital Prize Bonds (DPBs), marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing financial sector digitalisation drive and the modernisation of national savings products.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS), is designed to replace traditional paper-based prize bonds with a secure digital alternative that offers greater convenience, transparency and efficiency for investors.
According to official documents, the Digital Prize Bonds have been fully developed and are awaiting final approval of the governing rules by the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) before their formal launch.
Direct credit of prize money
A key feature of the new product is the automatic crediting of prize money directly into investors’ accounts.
Unlike conventional prize bonds, where holders must physically safeguard certificates and claim winnings through prescribed procedures, Digital Prize Bonds will eliminate the need for paper certificates altogether.
Officials said the new system will significantly reduce expenditure on printing and stationery while providing greater ease and security for investors.
Customers will no longer need to store prize bonds in safe custody or worry about the risk of loss, theft or damage associated with physical instruments.
Part of broader digital transformation
The introduction of Digital Prize Bonds is the latest step in CDNS’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising its operations and improving customer services.
Over recent years, National Savings has digitised its business records and integrated them into a centralised Core Business Application (CBA), enabling real-time processing of transactions across its nationwide network.
The organisation has also eliminated manual processes and shifted to automated operations to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Expansion of digital services
CDNS has substantially expanded its digital offerings to provide customers with easier access to savings products and financial services.
Investors can now receive profit payments through cheques, ATMs and direct transfers via the RAAST payment system without visiting National Savings Centres.
The organisation’s National Savings Digital mobile application also enables customers to purchase, manage and redeem investments remotely.
As of March 31, 2026, approximately 350,000 debit cards had been issued to National Savings customers, while active users of the mobile application reached around 90,000.
Targeting younger investors
Officials believe Digital Prize Bonds will help attract younger and technology-oriented investors who increasingly prefer digital financial products over traditional paper-based instruments.
The product is expected to broaden the customer base of National Savings while encouraging greater participation in the formal financial system.
By providing a fully digital investment platform, the initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion and support the government’s efforts to channel household savings into regulated financial instruments.
New partnerships and innovation
Alongside the Digital Prize Bonds initiative, CDNS has undertaken the soft launch of a co-branded credit card in collaboration with Bank of Punjab.
The partnership is expected to be formally launched during the next financial year and forms part of a wider strategy to introduce innovative financial products and value-added services for National Savings customers.
Officials believe these initiatives will strengthen the institution’s role in mobilising domestic savings and supporting economic development.
Awaiting final approval
The launch of Digital Prize Bonds is now subject only to the approval of the relevant rules by the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases.
Once approved, the paperless investment instrument is expected to become one of the most significant innovations in Pakistan’s savings landscape, offering investors a modern, secure and convenient alternative to traditional prize bonds.
The move reflects the government’s broader commitment to digitalisation, financial sector reform and expanding access to technology-driven savings and investment opportunities across the country.
