SBP expands SDRP with new Diamond category

September 23, 2023 (MLN): A new 'Diamond' category has been added in addition to the existing three categories in the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP), namely 'Green,' 'Gold,' and 'Platinum,' as per a press release issued by the Exchange Communications Department of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

This new category is effective from September 22, 2023.

It may be recalled here that the then Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in his budget speech for FY24 had announced the addition of Diamond category.

This category comes with enhanced reward points and provides other benefits such as obtaining a non-prohibited bore arms license, receiving preferential treatment at Pakistan embassies/airports, and receiving a gratis passport for Diamond Category holders.

SDRP is a point-based loyalty program in which remitters accumulate reward points by sending remittances through formal channels (SBP regulated entities).

Reward points can be redeemed by remitter and their beneficiary for availing free of cost products and services.

These services include the Emigrant Registration fee at the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment, duty payments for imported mobile sets and vehicles to the Federal Board of Revenue, school fees covered by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), and passport renewal fees at the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.

Moreover, benefits on redeeming reward points can also be availed on International air tickets and extra luggage charges by Pakistan International Airlines; life insurance/takaful premium payment at State Life Insurance Corporation; and purchases made at Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan.

These reward points appear on the app in the form of a virtual card that updates automatically with reward points after each remittance.

Additional reward points redemption avenues like 1BILL and PayPak card are also being offered in SDRP.

The addition of these new avenues will provide benefits to remitters and their beneficiaries to pay bills and use PayPak Card at merchants and Pakistani e-commerce stores.

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