What Is the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme?
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme, a market-based rewards program offering Rs. 16 billion in annual cash prizes to Pakistanis who receive home remittances through formal banking channels. Meanwhile, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad inaugurated the scheme in Karachi, and the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) runs it with SBP’s patronage.
The banking industry fully funds the scheme — so it places no burden on the national exchequer. It replaces the earlier Sohni Dharti Scheme with a new reward-based model aimed at encouraging overseas Pakistanis to send money home through banks.
Prize Breakdown — Rs. 4 Billion Every Quarter
Each quarterly draw distributes 2,521 cash prizes worth Rs. 4 billion. Overall, four draws a year bring the annual pool to Rs. 16 billion.
- First prize: 1 winner of Rs. 100 million
- Second prize: 20 winners of Rs. 25 million each
- Third prize: 100 winners of Rs. 10 million each
- Fourth prize: 2,400 winners of Rs. 1 million each
Who Qualifies for the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme?
The scheme rewards the person receiving the remittance in Pakistan — not the sender abroad. Specifically, to qualify for a quarterly draw, the beneficiary must receive the equivalent of US$100 or more per month in each of the three months of that quarter, into an eligible bank account or wallet.
Participation is completely free and automatic — in fact, there is no application form, no registration, and no ticket purchase.
How Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme Entries Work
Every US$100 of eligible monthly remittance earns one digital, non-transferable entry ticket, with higher amounts earning proportionally more entries. For example, a recipient receiving the equivalent of $100, $200 and $300 in October, November and December respectively would earn one, two and three entries — six entries for the quarter. There is also no upper limit on entries.
However, the scheme excludes cash-over-counter remittances and Roshan Digital Account (RDA) remittances.
Draw Schedule and Regional Allocation
The scheme came into effect on 1 October 2026. The first draw will then take place on 15 January 2027, covering remittances received from October to December 2026.
The scheme allocates prizes across remittance regions: 50% for the GCC, 15% for the UK, 15% for Europe, 10% for America and Canada, 5% for Australia, and 5% for the rest of the world.
Why This Scheme Matters
Workers’ remittances reached a record US$41.6 billion in FY26, nearly double the US$21.7 billion of FY25. As a result, SBP officials said the scheme aims to channel more inflows through formal channels and deepen financial inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the Pasban scheme? No — participation is automatic and free when you receive qualifying remittances in your bank account or wallet.
Who wins the prize — the sender or the receiver? The receiver in Pakistan, of course.
What is the minimum remittance to qualify? You need at least the equivalent of US$100 per month for three consecutive months within a quarter.
When is the first draw? 15 January 2027, for remittances received October–December 2026.
Sources
State Bank of Pakistan press release; Dawn.
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