SBP Launches Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme: Win Up to Rs 16 Billion in Prizes

Sending money home through official banking channels in Pakistan just became significantly more rewarding. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), in collaboration with the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), has introduced the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme.

This initiative distributes Rs 16 billion in annual cash prizes to people in Pakistan who receive money sent from family members living abroad through legal bank accounts. Best of all, the program is completely free, funded entirely by commercial banks, and puts zero strain on government taxpayers.

This complete guide details how the scheme operates, who qualifies, how tickets are calculated, and what prize money you can win.

What Is the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme?

The Pasban scheme is a market-driven incentive program designed to encourage overseas Pakistanis and their families back home to avoid illegal money transfers (like Hawala or Hundi) and rely on safe, official banking networks.

Instead of rewarding the sender abroad, the prize money goes directly to the family member receiving the cash into a bank account or digital wallet in Pakistan.

Key Highlights of the Program:

• Total Annual Prize Pool: Rs 16 Billion distributed across four quarterly draws (Rs 4 Billion per quarter).

• Total Winners: Over 10,000 winners selected every year (2,521 winners every 3 months).

• Zero Cost: Participation is 100% automatic and free—no tickets to purchase, no fees, and no minimum balance required.

• 100% Bank Funded: Financed by Pakistani commercial banks under the Pakistan Banks Association.
  
  

Breakdown of Cash Prizes

Every three months, a lucky draw will select 2,521 winners. The breakdown of quarterly cash awards includes:

Under the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme, a total of 2,521 winners are selected in each quarterly draw, with cash prizes amounting to Rs 4 billion per quarter. Every three months, one grand winner receives the 1st prize of Rs 100 Million (10 Crore), while 20 winners claim the 2nd prize of Rs 25 Million (2.5 Crore) each. Additionally, 100 winners are awarded the 3rd prize of Rs 10 Million (1 Crore) each, and 2,400 winners receive the 4th prize of Rs 1 Million (10 Lakh) each.

Who Is Eligible to Win?

To qualify for the lucky draws, you must meet the following basic criteria:

1. Direct Account Credit: The money must land directly into an active bank account or verified mobile wallet in Pakistan.

2. Minimum Transfer Amount: You must receive at least $100 USD (or equivalent in foreign currency) every month.

3. Consistency: You must receive eligible transfers for three consecutive months within a quarter (e.g., October, November, and December).
   
   

Exclusions (Who Cannot Participate):

• Over-the-Counter Cash: Remittances collected as cash over bank counters without being credited to an account are not eligible.

• Foreign Currency Accounts & RDAs: Inflows into foreign currency accounts or Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) are excluded from this specific scheme.
  
  

How Are Digital Tickets / Entries Calculated?

Every eligible transaction automatically generates a digital entry number. The higher the amount received, the more tickets you earn, increasing your chances of winning.

• Basic Ticket Rate: Receiving $100 USD in a month gives you 1 digital ticket.

• Higher Transfers: You earn 1 extra ticket for every additional $100 USD received in a single transfer.

• Example: If you receive $100 in October (1 entry), $200 in November (2 entries), and $300 in December (3 entries), you collect 6 total entries for that quarter's draw.
  
  

Regional Breakdown of Winners

To ensure fairness for Pakistanis receiving money from different parts of the world, secondary prizes are distributed based on geographic origin:

• GCC (Gulf Countries): 50% of prizes

• United Kingdom: 15% of prizes

• Europe: 15% of prizes

• North America (US & Canada): 10% of prizes

• Rest of the World: 10% of prizes
  
  

Note: The bumper First Prize of Rs 100 Million is open to all recipients, regardless of which country the money came from.

Schedule for the First Lucky Draw

The Pasban scheme officially starts tracking transactions on October 1, 2026.

• Qualifying Period: October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

• First Lucky Draw Date: January 15, 2027.
  
  

All draws will be operated digitally through 1LINK using automated algorithms, and independent auditors will verify every step to maintain total transparency. Winners will be contacted directly by their banks, and cash prizes will be deposited into winning bank accounts in PKR (after standard withholding tax deductions).

Why Is SBP Introducing This Scheme?

Remittances sent by overseas workers are the financial lifeline of Pakistan's economy, reaching an impressive $41.6 billion in FY26. These inflows help millions of families afford daily living expenses, education, and health services while maintaining foreign exchange reserves for national stability.

By launching the Pasban scheme, the central bank and commercial banks aim to make official remittance routes the most attractive option for everyone.

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