Pakistan Expats Can Win Up to Rs100 Million on Remittances
The State Bank of Pakistan has launched the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme, offering up to Rs100 million in cash prizes to overseas Pakistanis who send money through formal banks. The program, which targets remittances from the Gulf, UK, Europe and North America, runs from October 2026 to December…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a bid to encourage the use of formal banking channels for overseas remittances, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme. The initiative offers a total of Rs16 billion in cash prizes each year, with the largest single award of Rs100 million (about Dh1.32 million). The scheme is aimed primarily at Pakistanis living in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, but it also allocates prizes for remittances from the UK, Europe and North America.
How the Scheme Works
The first qualifying period runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. During this time, any Pakistani resident who receives at least $100 (approximately Dh367) in remittances each month for three consecutive months will earn a digital entry into the quarterly draw. Each $100 of qualifying remittance generates one entry, so larger transfers bring more chances to win. For example, a beneficiary who receives $100 in October, $200 in November and $300 in December will earn six entries for the quarter.
Participation is completely free. Banks are not allowed to charge a fee, require a minimum balance or sell tickets. All entries are generated automatically and recorded in a secure, fully digital and auditable system overseen by the SBP.
Prize Breakdown and Regional Allocation
Every quarter, 2,521 cash prizes will be awarded, totalling Rs4 billion (about Dh52.6 million). The distribution is as follows:
- First prize: 1 winner receives Rs100 million (Dh1.32 million).
- Second prize: 20 winners receive Rs25 million each (Dh329,000).
- Third prize: 100 winners receive Rs10 million each (Dh132,000).
- Fourth prize: 2,400 winners receive Rs1 million each (Dh13,200).
More than 10,000 winners are expected to share the annual prize pool of Rs16 billion. The regional allocation of prizes is heavily weighted toward the GCC, which receives 50 % of the regional share, followed by the UK and Europe at 15 % each, and North America and other countries at 10 % each.
Why It Matters for Pakistan and Its Diaspora
Remittances are the backbone of many Pakistani households, covering everyday expenses, education, healthcare and investment. In FY2025‑26, Pakistan received a record $41.6 billion in workers’ remittances, nearly double the $21.7 billion recorded in FY2018‑19. The SBP’s Governor, Jameel Ahmad, highlighted that the country’s foreign exchange reserves have risen from below $3 billion in 2023 to $21.4 billion today, a testament to the strength of remittance flows.
Unlike earlier incentive programmes, the Pasban prize pool is funded entirely by the Pakistani banking industry, ensuring that the national exchequer is not burdened. The initiative is expected to further promote legal remittance channels, improve financial inclusion, and strengthen the infrastructure needed to handle growing volumes.
Key Takeaways for Expatriates
- Send at least $100 per month for three consecutive months to earn entries.
- All entries are digital; no tickets or fees are required.
- The GCC region offers the largest share of prizes.
- First prize is Rs100 million; additional prizes total Rs4 billion per quarter.
- Participation is open to all Pakistani residents receiving remittances.
What Happens Next?
The inaugural quarterly draw will take place on 15 January 2027. After that, draws will occur every quarter until the end of the qualifying period. Beneficiaries who meet the criteria will automatically be entered, and winners will be announced through the SBP’s official channels. For those living in the UAE and other Gulf countries, this is a prime opportunity to benefit from the scheme while supporting families back home.
Key facts
- Overseas Pakistanis can win up to Rs100 million by sending money home
- The scheme runs from Oct 2026 to Dec 2026 with quarterly draws starting Jan 2027
- Entries are earned for every $100 sent; larger transfers mean more chances
- GCC remittances receive 50 % of regional prizes
- The prize pool is funded by Pakistan’s banking industry, not the government
Why it matters
Remittances are a lifeline for millions of Pakistani families, and this scheme not only rewards expatriates but also encourages the use of secure, formal banking channels, strengthening the country’s financial health.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum amount I need to send each month to qualify?
You must send at least $100 (about Dh367) each month for three consecutive months within a quarter.
Do I need to buy a ticket or pay a fee?
No, participation is free. Banks cannot charge a fee or require a ticket.
How are the winners selected?
Winners are chosen through a secure, fully digital and auditable process conducted by the SBP.
Can I participate if I live outside the GCC?
Yes, the scheme is open to all overseas Pakistanis, but the GCC receives the largest share of prizes.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Explained: How Pakistan expats can win Dh1. 32m on remittances”
