12/10/2020
*Comprehensive video on Foreign Currency Rules 2020*
https://youtu.be/Q6lFby879Qw
*KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Sunday issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in response to SRO issued by the finance ministry related to foreign currency account rules.*
_Following are the FAQs:_
Question 1. Why there was a need to issue SRO by Ministry of Finance, if there is no change in existing foreign exchange regulations?
Ans. Protection of Economic Reforms Act 1992 (PERA) was amended in 2018. The amendments made in PERA included, inter alia, that federal government may make rules governing deposits into and withdrawals from the foreign currency accounts. The purpose for issuance of these rules is to provide enabling provisions for SBP to issue instructions related to deposits in FCY accounts, including those already in place as well as any that may be issued in future.
In this way, these rules aim to provide a framework for the operation of individual foreign currency accounts. In addition, the rules also formalize the mandate given to SBP to strengthen the foreign exchange regime and to make it easier for the individuals to meet their foreign currency needs through banking channels.
Question 2. Would SBP issue any guidelines for FCY accounts in accordance with the rules to clarify the situation?
Ans. There is no change in State Bank’s existing regulations regarding FCY accounts and these regulations do not conflict with the rules issued by Ministry of Finance.
Question 3. Do the rules have any impact on the newly introduced Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) for Non-Resident Pakistanis?
Ans. No, RDA is a distinct scheme for Non Resident Pakistanis, offering both FCY and PKR accounts. Funds can be received into these accounts from abroad but they cannot be fed from within Pakistan. Proceeds of investments, profit thereon and any balances in these accounts are freely repatriable without any approval or hindrance. For more details, please refer to: