The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is all set to shift to a fully digital system from July 16, a move aimed at making payments faster, easier and more transparent for millions of beneficiaries.
Under the new system, beneficiaries will receive funds directly through digital channels, reducing waiting times and eliminating the need to stand in long queues for cash collection.
The development was announced during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, where BISP Secretary Aamir Ahmed Ali briefed the committee on the programme’s digital transformation.
It was decided that funds will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries to save them from long queues. Beneficiaries will also receive a message informing them that it is not necessary to withdraw the money on the same day.
The Chairman of the Committee highlighted that the Benazir Income Support Programme has been operating continuously since 2008. He questioned why permanent employees have not been appointed in the organisation, noting that everyone from directors to drivers is currently working on deputation.
The Additional Secretary explained that employees are serving on deputation and that the proposal for permanent recruitment has been sent to the Ministry of Finance.
The Standing Committee directed that a summary regarding permanent recruitment be submitted to the Ministry of Finance. It also instructed BISP’s six partner banks to increase the number of agents to improve access for beneficiaries.
The first category covers beneficiaries whose Social Protection Wallets have already been activated. These women received the official BISP SIM card before March 2026 and completed the required biometric verification process.
Their upcoming instalment will be transferred directly into their Social Protection Wallets, and they will receive a confirmation notification through the official 8171 service.
To access their payments, beneficiaries only need to visit an authorised payment centre of the designated bank with their original Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and registered mobile number. BISP has clarified that there is no requirement to withdraw the funds immediately, as the money will remain safely stored in the wallet. However, beneficiaries must complete biometric verification at least once every six months to keep their wallet active.
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