What the Shuhada Family Welfare Account is
The Shuhada Family Welfare Account (SFWA) is a savings product of National Savings, run by the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) under the federal government. It is often called the shuhada welfare scheme. It is meant for the families of shuhada, people who lost their lives in the line of duty.
National Savings products are government-backed savings instruments, not market investments. Your deposit does not go up or down with share or currency prices. The main thing that changes is the profit rate, which the government revises from time to time.
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Who is eligible
The account is only for families of shuhada. The official CDNS rules decide:
- which services and institutions count, for example armed forces, police or other law enforcement agencies
- which family members can open the account, such as a widow, parents or children
- what proof of shaheed status the family must show
This page does not repeat these details because they can change. Check the current eligibility rules on the CDNS website or at a National Savings Centre before you apply.
Documents you will usually need
National Savings branches usually ask for:
- your CNIC
- a document from the relevant department confirming the shaheed status and your relationship
- the account opening form from the National Savings Centre
Ask the branch for the current list before your visit.
Shuhada account profit rate
CDNS sets and revises the shuhada account profit rate. It also decides how often profit is paid and what the minimum and maximum investment limits are. We do not quote a rate here. An old figure can mislead you, and rates on National Savings schemes are revised from time to time.
National Savings rates often move in the same direction as market interest rates, although the government decides the timing. For context, the latest State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decision we have recorded is: SBP policy rate raised by 50 bps to 12% with effect from 27.10.2026 (MPC). See SBP rates and economy for what the policy rate means.
Before you invest:
- read the current rate sheet on the CDNS website and note the date printed on it
- check tax and withholding rules with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), since the tax treatment of profit can differ by scheme and taxpayer status
- estimate your expected profit with the profit calculator
How it compares with other schemes
Some families may also qualify for other National Savings products:
| Scheme | Meant for |
|---|---|
| Bahbood Savings Certificates | Widows, senior citizens and some other groups, as defined by CDNS |
| Pensioners' Benefit Account | Pensioners, as defined by CDNS |
| Regular Income Certificates | General savers who want periodic profit |
| Sarwa Islamic Account | Savers who want a Shariah-compliant option |
For an overview, see National Savings schemes and Savings and deposits.
A note on safety
Families who receive compensation can be targeted by people offering "high return" schemes or trading platforms. On offshore platforms, per the SECP, offshore platforms have no Pakistani licence or oversight and offer no legal protection or recourse. Leveraged forex and CFD trading can lose money fast and is not a replacement for a savings account. Read Law and regulators before you trust anyone offering to manage your money.
Frequent questions
What is SFWA in National Savings?
It is the Shuhada Family Welfare Account, a CDNS savings account for families of shuhada.
What is the current shuhada account profit rate?
CDNS sets it and revises it from time to time. Check the latest rate sheet on the CDNS website and note its date.
Who can open a shuhada national savings account?
Only eligible family members of shuhada, as defined in the current CDNS rules. Confirm your eligibility with a National Savings Centre.
Is profit on the account taxed?
Tax treatment depends on current FBR rules. Check with FBR or ask the National Savings branch.
Is my deposit at market risk?
No. It is a government savings product, so your deposit does not move with market prices. The profit rate can change when CDNS revises it.