ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In line with his vision of facilitating Overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched the point-based loyalty program “Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP)” for Overseas Pakistanis.
The Sohni Dharti Remittance Program, an initiative of the State Bank of Pakistan, aimed at encouraging Overseas Pakistanis to use formal channels for remittances.
Under the Program, Overseas Pakistanis will get reward points against the remittances they send through the legal channels. These reward points will enable them to avail free services at government departments.
Under the SDRP, if an individual sends remittance to the limit of US$ 10,000 or equivalent in one Fiscal Year (FY), then he/she will be awarded one percent as a reward and allotted a green card category.
Similarly, for remittances sent by an individual between US$ 10,000 and US$ 30,000 or equivalent, the remitter would be given 1.25 percent as reward and classified into gold card category.
Lastly, for remittances of more than US$ 30,000 or equivalent, he/she will be awarded 1.5 percent as reward and allotted a platinum card category.
The reward points can be redeemed by remitters and their beneficiaries for availing free of cost services from eight (08) participating PSEs at the moment. The services offered include international tickets by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the provision to pay for extra luggage on international flights of PIA.
Along with this, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed Overseas Pakistanis to pay duty on import of mobile phone and vehicles.
The National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) will provide services related to the renewal of CNIC/NICOP and along with this, they can renew their passports without any hassle.
Overseas Pakistanis can avail life insurance premium payment through state life insurance services and a facility to pay schools’ fee of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation schools.
Moreover, Overseas Pakistanis will be able to make purchases through a network of utility stores across the country.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will provide preferential services to Overseas Pakistanis under the umbrella of this program by installing separate counters and provide priority clearance whereas the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will ensure the placement of standees and banners for the promotion of this initiative.
While addressing the Launching Ceremony of the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP) in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked the Overseas Pakistanis for posing confidence in the bright future of their homeland by sending record high remittances of over US$ 29 billion in last fiscal year FY21 and continuing the trend in FY22.
The prime minister noted that his government has always encouraged and appreciated the efforts of Overseas Pakistanis through various initiatives and programs. He especially mentioned the incentives like making remittances transfer free of cost, providing free airtime for remittances received through mobile wallets and covering marketing cost of remittance service providers.
The prime minister congratulated the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), financial institutions, participating public sector entities (PSEs) and all other stakeholders as without their efforts the launch of this remittance incentive program would not have been possible.
Imran Khan termed the launch of SDRP as a tribute to the Pakistani workers abroad who have been contributing in the development of the Country through sending their hard-earned money back to Pakistan. He also appreciated the concept of giving incentives through a digital application for sending remittances via official channels.
