Islamabad, March 18, 2025 – The Finance Ministry has officially notified the draft rules for the issuance of digital prize bonds in Pakistan, marking a significant shift towards modernizing the national savings framework.
These bonds, introduced under the Digital Prize Bonds (Registered) Rules, 2024, are designed to enhance convenience and transparency through a secure, scripless system.
Introduction to Digital Prize Bonds
The newly introduced digital prize bonds will be issued exclusively in an electronic format by the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS). They will be accessible through the Digital Prize Bond Gateway, an online platform integrated with CDNS’s mobile application and other authorized digital channels. This system allows users to purchase, manage, and redeem their digital prize bonds conveniently from anywhere.
Key Features of Digital Prize Bonds
1. Denominations and Investment Limits
Digital prize bonds will be available in multiple denominations, as notified by the Finance Division. Unlike traditional bonds, there is no upper limit on investment, making them an attractive option for both small and large investors.
2. Scripless and Secure
These bonds will be issued entirely in digital form, eliminating the risk of physical loss or theft. Each digital prize bond will be associated with a unique system-generated number.
3. Eligibility and Purchase Process
Any Pakistani adult citizen can purchase these bonds by creating a profile on the Digital Prize Bond Gateway and linking their CDNS Savings Account or a bank account in IBAN format. Payments will be made digitally, ensuring seamless transactions.
4. Redemption and Prize Money
Investors can redeem their digital prize bonds through the DPB Gateway, with the amount credited directly to their linked bank or CDNS account. If a bondholder wins, the prize money will be automatically transferred to their registered account. Unclaimed prize money can be collected within six years from the date of the draw.
5. Draws and Prize Distribution
The CDNS will conduct quarterly digital prize bond draws, with schedules published in the official gazette. Only bonds held for at least one month will qualify. The government will determine the number of prizes and the prize money periodically.
6. Nomination and Succession
Investors can nominate beneficiaries at the time of purchase. In case of the bondholder’s demise, the digital prize bond will be transferred to legal heirs per the succession certificate.
7. Tax and Zakat Exemptions
While prize money will be subject to applicable taxes, investments in these bonds will be exempt from mandatory Zakat deductions.
A Step Towards Financial Digitization
The launch of digital prize bonds is a major milestone in Pakistan’s financial sector, promoting digitalization and financial inclusion. By introducing a secure, transparent, and accessible savings instrument, the government aims to encourage public investment and modernize the national savings landscape.
With its user-friendly digital infrastructure and attractive prize money incentives, this initiative is expected to revolutionize savings and investment culture in Pakistan.