National Savings Profit Rates Raised Across Schemes From October 21
The government has increased profit rates on several National Savings schemes, with the revised rates taking effect on October 21. The changes offer higher returns on multiple savings certificates and income accounts, while the rate on regular Savings Accounts remains unchanged at 10 per cent.
National Savings profit rates: the new chart
The profit rate on Special Savings Certificates has increased from 11.6 per cent to 12 per cent. The rate on Regular Income Certificates has also risen, from 11.76 per cent to 12.12 per cent.
Profit rates on Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts have increased from 12.72 per cent to 12.96 per cent. The government has maintained the profit rate on Savings Accounts at 10 per cent.
| Scheme | Old rate | New rate |
|---|---|---|
| Special Savings Certificates | 11.6% | 12% |
| Regular Income Certificates | 11.76% | 12.12% |
| Behbood / Pensioners’ / Shuhada Accounts | 12.72% | 12.96% |
| Savings Accounts | 10% | 10% (unchanged) |
| Sarwa Islamic Term Accounts | 11.33% | 11.84% |
| Short Term Savings Certificates | 10.80% | 11.12% |
Defence Savings Certificates have also received higher profit rates across maturity periods. The six-year rate has increased from 86 per cent to 88 per cent, while the seven-year rate has risen from 109 per cent to 113 per cent. For eight-year certificates, the rate has moved from 136 per cent to 142 per cent. The nine-year rate has risen from 168 per cent to 176 per cent, and the 10-year rate from 205 per cent to 215 per cent.
The government has also raised the profit rate on Sarwa Islamic Term Accounts from 11.33 per cent to 11.84 per cent. The rate on Short Term Savings Certificates has increased from 10.80 per cent to 11.12 per cent.
What it means for savers
The revision matters most to the schemes’ core customers: retirees, widows and families of martyrs. Behbood Savings Certificates serve widows and senior citizens, Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts serve retired government employees, and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts serve the families of martyrs. These accounts pay monthly profit, so the rise to 12.96 per cent directly lifts household incomes for some of the country’s most vulnerable savers.
The increase comes as household budgets remain under pressure. Petrol prices were revised upward to Rs382.02 a litre from October 21, while LPG has hit a record Rs600 per kg. Against that backdrop, higher returns on savings offer modest relief to fixed-income households.
The revision is also notable because National Savings has been under scrutiny over efficiency. The institution recently put 111 centres under review over high operating costs, flagging them as financially inefficient. The rate hike signals that, whatever the cost-cutting drive, the government still wants the schemes to remain attractive to depositors.
The broader economic picture remains mixed. The IMF has flagged Pakistan’s tax system as unfair to the salaried class while urging the country to move beyond fiscal targets toward durable growth. President Zardari has separately met an IMF delegation and committed to fiscal reforms.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new National Savings profit rates?
From October 21: Special Savings Certificates 12%, Regular Income Certificates 12.12%, Behbood/Pensioners’/Shuhada accounts 12.96%, Sarwa Islamic Term Accounts 11.84%, Short Term Savings Certificates 11.12%. Savings Accounts stay at 10%.
Who benefits from Behbood Savings Certificates?
Behbood Savings Certificates are designed for widows and senior citizens, paying monthly profit. Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts serve retired government employees, and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts serve families of martyrs.
Have Defence Savings Certificate rates changed?
Yes. Six-year rates rose from 86% to 88%, seven-year from 109% to 113%, eight-year from 136% to 142%, nine-year from 168% to 176%, and 10-year from 205% to 215%.
When do the new National Savings rates take effect?
The revised profit rates take effect on October 21, 2026.
