The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme, giving eligible beneficiaries a chance to win cash prizes of up to Rs. 10 crore for receiving overseas remittances through formal banking channels.
The new initiative is designed to encourage overseas Pakistanis and their families to use formal banking channels when sending and receiving home remittances.
The scheme will distribute Rs. 4 billion in prizes every quarter, with four quarterly draws taking the total annual prize pool to Rs. 16 billion.
Key Takeaways
- Scheme: Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme
- Launched by: State Bank of Pakistan
- Top prize: Rs. 10 crore
- Quarterly prize pool: Rs. 4 billion
- Annual prize pool: Rs. 16 billion
- Prizes per quarterly draw: 2,521
- Basic eligibility: At least $100 received each month for three consecutive months
- Channel: Formal banking channels
- Participation: Automatic for eligible beneficiaries
- First draw: January 15, 2027
- First draw period: Remittances received from October 1 to December 31, 2026
How the Pasban Remittance Scheme Works
Under the scheme, a beneficiary becomes eligible for a quarterly draw after receiving at least $100 in home remittances each month for three consecutive months during the relevant quarter.
For example, a beneficiary receiving at least $100 in October, November and December 2026 would qualify for the quarterly draw covering that period.
The qualifying remittances must be received through formal banking channels.
Participation is automatic, meaning eligible beneficiaries do not need to purchase a ticket or separately apply for the draw.
Higher Remittances Can Generate More Entries
The scheme also provides a mechanism through which higher remittance amounts can generate additional digital entries.
Eligible beneficiaries receive digital, non-transferable entry numbers based on the amount of remittances received during the qualifying period.
This means the scheme is not simply based on a single monthly transfer. The structure is designed to encourage continued use of formal channels for receiving home remittances.
Rs. 4 Billion in Prizes Every Quarter
Each quarterly draw will distribute Rs. 4 billion among 2,521 winners.
The prize structure includes:
| Prize | Number of Prizes |
|---|---|
| Rs. 10 crore | 1 |
| Rs. 2.5 crore | 20 |
| Rs. 1 crore | 100 |
| Rs. 10 lakh | 2,400 |
| Total | 2,521 |
Across four quarterly draws, the scheme will distribute Rs. 16 billion annually and provide rewards to more than 10,000 beneficiaries.
The banking industry is funding the scheme, meaning it does not place a cost on the national exchequer.
First Pasban Draw Set for January 2027
The first draw is scheduled for January 15, 2027.
It will cover qualifying remittances received between October 1 and December 31, 2026.
This gives eligible beneficiaries receiving remittances during the three-month period an opportunity to participate in the first quarterly draw.
Scheme Targets Formal Remittance Channels
A major objective of Pasban is to encourage the use of formal channels for home remittances.
Formal banking channels provide a regulated route for money sent by overseas Pakistanis to their families in Pakistan.
By connecting formal remittance activity with a substantial reward programme, the initiative aims to encourage beneficiaries to receive their funds through participating banking channels.
The scheme therefore combines a financial reward mechanism with SBP’s broader efforts to strengthen formal remittance flows.
Cash-Over-the-Counter and RDA Remittances Excluded
Not every form of remittance qualifies for the Pasban draw.
According to reporting on the scheme, cash-over-the-counter remittances and Roshan Digital Account (RDA) remittances are excluded.
The eligibility rules therefore specifically focus on qualifying remittances received through the designated formal banking route.
Why This Matters
The Pasban scheme could provide an additional incentive for families to receive overseas funds through formal banking channels.
For beneficiaries, the programme creates a chance to win significant cash prizes without requiring a separate ticket purchase.
For overseas Pakistanis, it provides another reason to consider formal channels when sending money home.
For banks, increased formal remittance activity can strengthen their role in Pakistan’s remittance ecosystem.
For Pakistan’s economy, greater use of formal channels can help maintain remittance flows within the regulated financial system.
What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Eligible beneficiaries should focus on three basic requirements:
- Receive at least $100 in home remittances each month.
- Maintain that qualifying amount for three consecutive months within the relevant quarter.
- Receive the remittances through an eligible formal banking channel.
There is no separate ticket purchase requirement for eligible participants. The scheme automatically generates eligibility based on qualifying transactions.
Beneficiaries should also check the applicable rules with their bank because eligibility, entry generation and prize payment are governed by the scheme’s official terms.
Outlook
The Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme gives Pakistan’s formal remittance ecosystem a new incentive-based model.
With Rs. 16 billion in annual prizes, including a top prize of Rs. 10 crore in each quarterly draw, the programme is designed to encourage consistent use of formal banking channels for home remittances.
The first draw in January 2027 will provide an early indication of how beneficiaries respond to the new incentive structure.
FAQs
What is the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme?
It is an SBP-backed reward scheme under which eligible beneficiaries receiving overseas remittances through formal banking channels can participate in quarterly cash-prize draws.
What is the biggest prize under the Pasban scheme?
The top prize is Rs. 10 crore in each quarterly draw.
How much money will be distributed annually?
The scheme will distribute Rs. 16 billion in prizes each year, through four quarterly draws.
How can I qualify for the Pasban draw?
A beneficiary must receive at least $100 in home remittances each month for three consecutive months during a quarter through an eligible formal banking channel.
Do I need to apply for the scheme?
No. Participation is automatic for beneficiaries who meet the eligibility requirements.
How many prizes are given in each quarterly draw?
Each draw will distribute 2,521 prizes worth a combined Rs. 4 billion.
When is the first Pasban draw?
The first draw is scheduled for January 15, 2027, covering eligible remittances received from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
Can higher remittance amounts increase my entries?
Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive additional digital entries based on the amount of qualifying remittances received.
Are RDA remittances eligible?
No. Current reporting on the scheme states that Roshan Digital Account remittances are excluded from the Pasban draw.
Who funds the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme?
The scheme is funded by the banking industry and does not impose a burden on the national exchequer.
