This article explains public information. It does not determine eligibility or replace an official notice.
What Is the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme (PRRS)?
The Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme (PRRS) is a market-based financial incentive program created by Pakistan's commercial banking industry under the auspices of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) and the patronage of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Announced in late September 2026 and officially launched on October 1, 2026, the scheme distributes PKR 16 billion in total cash prizes each year. The entire prize fund is underwritten by participating commercial banks with zero burden on the national exchequer.
The technology platform behind the scheme is operated by 1LINK (Pvt) Limited, which automatically tracks eligible inward remittance transactions and generates digital draw tokens. Beneficiaries who meet the qualifying criteria are entered into transparent, computer-generated quarterly draws without filling out manual applications or paying entry fees. By offering substantial cash rewards ranging from PKR 1 million to PKR 100 million per quarter, the program aims to curb illegal hawala/hundi channels and strengthen Pakistan's official foreign exchange reserves.
Who Is Eligible for the Pasban Remittance Scheme?
Eligibility for the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme is open to individuals residing in Pakistan who receive foreign currency home remittances directly into a personal bank account or registered mobile wallet. To qualify for a quarterly prize draw, a beneficiary must receive at least USD 100 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in each of the three consecutive calendar months comprising that quarter.
Core Qualification Checklist
To remain eligible for the automated draw system, beneficiaries must meet all of the following requirements: (1) Account Type: Credit into a single or joint personal bank account or branchless banking mobile wallet registered in Pakistan; (2) Minimum Threshold: Fulfill the USD 100 monthly threshold during month one, month two, and month three of the qualifying quarter; (3) Banking Channel: Inflows transferred through participating commercial banks or legal financial rails; (4) Zero Registration: Participation is 100% automatic based on bank transaction records.
Ineligible Remittance Types & Exclusions
Not all incoming funds qualify for the Pasban prize draws. To maintain transparency and target genuine household remittances, the Pakistan Banks Association has established clear exclusion rules: Cash-Over-The-Counter (OTC) cash pick-ups do not qualify; Roshan Digital Account (RDA) inflows are excluded because RDA account holders already access dedicated tax concessions; Commercial, business, or corporate accounts are ineligible; and Employees, officers, and directors of commercial banks, PBA, 1LINK, and the State Bank of Pakistan are strictly barred.
How Does the PKR 16 Billion Prize Structure Work?
The Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme features an annual prize pool of PKR 16 billion, split evenly into four quarterly draws of PKR 4 billion each. In every quarterly draw, 1LINK's automated system selects 2,521 lucky beneficiaries to receive tax-adjusted cash rewards credited directly to their bank accounts. Over the course of a full calendar year, the scheme rewards 10,084 winners across Pakistan.
| Prize Rank | Individual Cash Reward (PKR) | Number of Winners Per Quarter | Total Quarterly Payout (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize (Bumper) | PKR 100 Million | 1 Winner | PKR 100 Million |
| 2nd Prize | PKR 25 Million | 20 Winners | PKR 500 Million |
| 3rd Prize | PKR 10 Million | 100 Winners | PKR 1,000 Million (1 Billion) |
| 4th Prize | PKR 1 Million | 2,400 Winners | PKR 2,400 Million (2.4 Billion) |
| Quarterly Totals | — | 2,521 Winners | PKR 4,000 Million (4 Billion) |
How Are Winners Selected & When Is the First Draw Date?
Winners of the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme are selected through an automated electronic draw system managed by 1LINK (Pvt) Limited. When a beneficiary meets the USD 100 monthly threshold for three consecutive months, 1LINK automatically generates electronic draw tokens corresponding to the account's qualifying remittance volume.
The first quarterly draw covers remittances received between October 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, and will be held on January 15, 2027. Subsequent draws will take place every three months following the end of each calendar quarter: Quarter 1 (Draw Date Jan 15, 2027); Quarter 2 (Draw Date April 2027); Quarter 3 (Draw Date July 2027); Quarter 4 (Draw Date October 2027).
Pasban Scheme vs Sohni Dharti Remittance Programme: What Changed?
The Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme (PRRS) completely replaces the previous Sohni Dharti Remittance Programme (SDRP), which was officially phased out on September 30, 2026. While Sohni Dharti relied on a mobile app point-accrual system for discounts on government services, Pasban operates as a direct cash prize draw.
| Feature / Aspect | Sohni Dharti Remittance Programme (SDRP) | Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme (PRRS) |
|---|---|---|
| Reward Model | Loyalty points redeemable for bill payments & services | Direct cash prize payouts deposited into bank accounts |
| Maximum Reward | Capped point percentage based on transfer volume | Bumper cash prizes up to PKR 100 Million |
| Participation | Required downloading app and registering transactions | 100% automatic via bank account transactions |
| Funding Source | Government budget / SBP subsidy | Funded entirely by commercial banks (PBA) |
| Minimum Criteria | Any remittance amount earned points | Minimum USD 100 per month for 3 consecutive months |
| Point Transfer Policy | Discontinued; points expire per SBP phase-out rules | No SDRP points carry over to PRRS |
How to Check Your Pasban Scheme Winner Status Safely
Beneficiaries can verify draw results and check winner lists through central official portals maintained by 1LINK and the Pakistan Banks Association. Winning account holders are also notified directly by their respective commercial banks via official SMS and bank communications.
To verify your status safely and protect yourself from fraud, follow these official verification protocols: (1) Visit official portals exclusively at www.1link.net.pk/pasban or www.pakistanbanks.org/pasban; (2) Inquire through your bank's official helpline or visit a local branch; (3) Beware of scams: Participation in PRRS is completely free. Neither PBA, SBP, 1LINK, nor any bank will ever call, SMS, or WhatsApp asking for processing fees, tax payments, OTPs, or bank account PINs to claim a prize.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme (PRRS)?
The Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme (PRRS) is an industry-wide cash reward initiative launched on October 1, 2026, by the Pakistan Banks Association under State Bank of Pakistan patronage, distributing PKR 16 billion annually to foreign remittance beneficiaries.
Do I need to register or pay any fee to participate in the Pasban Scheme?
No, participation in the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme is 100% free and automatic for all beneficiaries who receive eligible home remittances into a personal bank account or mobile wallet.
What is the minimum remittance amount required to qualify?
Beneficiaries must receive a minimum of USD 100 (or foreign currency equivalent) in each of the three consecutive calendar months of a quarter to qualify for that quarter's prize draw.
Are Cash-Over-The-Counter (OTC) remittances eligible for the draw?
No, cash-over-the-counter transactions do not qualify. Remittances must be credited directly into a personal bank account or registered mobile wallet in Pakistan.
Why are Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) excluded from PRRS?
Roshan Digital Accounts are excluded because RDA holders already receive dedicated foreign exchange incentives, tax exemptions, and specialized investment products under separate SBP frameworks.
When will the first Pasban Remittance Scheme draw take place?
The first quarterly draw will be conducted on January 15, 2027, covering eligible remittances received between October 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
What happens to my old Sohni Dharti Remittance Programme (SDRP) points?
The Sohni Dharti Remittance Programme was officially discontinued on September 30, 2026. Past SDRP points or loyalty card tiers do not transfer to the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme.
How many total winners will receive cash prizes every quarter?
Every quarterly draw selects 2,521 winning beneficiaries, including 1 bumper winner of PKR 100 million, 20 winners of PKR 25 million, 100 winners of PKR 10 million, and 2,400 winners of PKR 1 million.
How will I be notified if I win a Pasban cash prize?
Winners are notified directly by their participating commercial banks through official communication channels, and official winner lists are published on the 1LINK and PBA portals.
Can bank employees or their families participate in the Pasban scheme?
No, staff members, officers, and directors of commercial banks, the Pakistan Banks Association, 1LINK, and the State Bank of Pakistan are ineligible to participate.
Sources and official links
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Muhammad Salman specializes in Pakistani public sector financing, youth entrepreneurship schemes, and government subsidy programmes, cross-referencing all data against official SBP circulars and ministry directives.
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