The government has lowered profit rates on most National Savings schemes, with pensioners and savers facing reductions of up to 36 basis points under revisions announced Monday. The one-year Short Term Savings Certificate was the sole exception, posting a modest increase.
Under the new structure, profit rates across National Savings products now range from 10.86 percent to 12.60 percent. Pensioner Benefit Accounts and Behbood Savings Certificates absorbed the steepest cut, falling 36 basis points to 12.60 percent.
Regular Income Certificates were reduced by the same margin, bringing their rate down to 11.16 percent. Special Savings Certificates and Accounts saw a smaller cut of 30 basis points, settling at 10.90 percent.
Short Term Savings Certificates were adjusted across all maturities, though not uniformly. The three-month certificate dropped 26 basis points to 10.86 percent, while the six-month certificate fell 28 basis points to the same level.
The one-year certificate broke from the broader trend, rising 11 basis points to 11.28 percent, making it the only product to offer improved returns this cycle.
The revisions mean most National Savings investors, including pensioners and households relying on these government-backed instruments, will earn lower annual returns going forward. Only holders of one-year short-term certificates will see a slight uptick in payouts.
National Savings schemes remain a popular option for households and retirees seeking stable, government-backed returns. Rate adjustments typically track movements in domestic interest rates and shifts in the government’s borrowing needs, reflecting broader trends in Pakistan’s financial and monetary environment.
Key revised rates:
- Pensioner Benefit Accounts/Behbood: 12.60 percent, down 36 basis points
- Regular Income Certificates: 11.16 percent, down 36 basis points
- Special Savings: 10.90 percent, down 30 basis points
- Short Term Certificate (3 months): 10.86 percent, down 26 basis points
- Short Term Certificate (6 months): 10.86 percent, down 28 basis points
- Short Term Certificate (1 year): 11.28 percent, up 11 basis points
