In a major step towards expanding financial inclusion in Pakistan, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has signed agreements with 1LINK and partner banks to launch an interoperable digital wallet payment system.
The new initiative will enable millions of BISP beneficiaries to receive and withdraw their stipends through digital wallets, allowing them to access funds from any participating bank retailer or agent across the country.
Under the new system, more than 10 million women from eligible families will be able to withdraw their stipends from any participating bank retailer or agent nationwide, eliminating the need to rely on a specific bank.
According to a statement issued by BISP on Friday, a high-level signing ceremony was held at the programme’s headquarters in Islamabad on June 18, 2026, to formalize the initiative.
The ceremony was chaired by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and attended by senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, 1LINK, the World Bank, and leading financial institutions, including Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Bank Alfalah, Bank of Punjab, HBL Microfinance Bank, Easypaisa, and JazzCash.
Under agreements signed with 1LINK and partner financial institutions, BISP payments will now be transferred directly into the digital wallets of eligible women.
Previously, beneficiaries often had to travel long distances, wait in lengthy queues, and visit designated payment centres to collect their stipends.
With the introduction of the interoperable digital wallet system, the payment process is expected to become significantly more convenient. Eligible women will be able to visit any nearby participating retailer or banking agent to withdraw their funds, regardless of which bank processed the payment.
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