Writer : Zubair Khan Balouch (Saudi Arab)
Prime minister Imran khan said several times overseas Pakistanis are backbone of Pakistan and he proved as well. I have been in overseas since 2011 and working in Gulf countries and never sees such a great respect for overseas Pakistanis during Imran khans tenure.
Overseas Pakistanis are real image of Pakistan, we must follow the rules and regulations wherever we are living and working abroad, we must know our rights and also being an overseas Pakistanis how we can get benefits from government of Pakistan.
Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP) is a point-based loyalty scheme for our remitters who work abroad and send money to their loved ones in Pakistan through banking channels or exchange companies.
PM Khan expressed gratitude to the overseas Pakistanis for sending record high remittances of over $29 billion in the fiscal year 2021.
“The government has always encouraged and appreciated the efforts of the overseas Pakistanis through various initiatives and programs,” he said.
The prime minister highlighted the incentives like making remittances transfer free of cost, providing free airtime for remittances received through mobile wallets.
He termed the launch of SDRP as a “tribute” to the Pakistani workers abroad who have been contributing in the development of the country by sending their hard-earned money back to Pakistan.
“I would like to appreciate the State Bank of Pakistan for the concept of giving incentives through a digital application for sending remittances via official channels,” he added.
It is a unique and first-ever smartphone application available in English and Urdu language that tracks and updates every remittance a remitter sends home and awards remitters with reward points, which can be redeemed for free of cost services at multiple Public Service Entities.
Remitters will earn reward points based on a certain percentage of every remittance one sends.
How do you get reward points?
Green card: you will be awarded one percent for sending remittance under $10,000 in one FY.
Gold card: you will be awarded 1.25 percent for sending remittances between $10,000 and $30,000.
Platinum card: you will be awarded 1.5 percent for sending remittances above $30,000.
Every remittance can upgrade the remitter’s category level and earn them more reward points.
Reward points appear on the app in the form of a virtual card that updates automatically with reward points after each remittance.
Visit the Google Play Store (for Android Smartphones) or App Store (for iOs Smartphones) and download the app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onelink.sohnidharti.app
On the welcome screen, enter your full name, CNIC number, Passport number and current place of residence.
Remitter can transfer accumulated points to the beneficiary and the reward can be redeemed by the beneficiary.
You can avail the following benefits on redeeming reward points:
1 : Pakistan International Airlines (you can claim against your points International air tickets and extra luggage charges )
2: Federal Board of Revenue (you can pay Duty payment of imported mobile sets and vehicles)
3 : National Database and Registration Authority (Renewal fees of CNIC and NICOP)
4: State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (Life insurance/takaful premium payment)
5: Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Schools (You can pay your kids School fees)
6: Utility Stores Corporation (you can use points and Purchases made in Utility Stores)
7: Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (you can pay Emigrant Registration fees)
8: Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (Renewal fees of passports)
We are lucky that Allah give us patriot leader “Imran Khan”, we hope Pakistan will be soon on top prosperity countries on the world map.
May Allah grant us the strength to develop Pakistan on the model of state of Medinah. May Allah grant us the ability to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. May Allah help us secure for our country its rightful place among the comity of nations. Pakistan Paindabad.
Let us make Pakistan a prosperous country, and send money from proper channel
