The federal government has announced a major relief measure for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), increasing the quarterly payment to Rs18,000 from the next fiscal year.
The announcement was made by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid said that the Benazir Income Support Programme serves as a vital source of economic support and dignity for low-income and deserving families across the country. She added that any negative propaganda against the national welfare initiative is unacceptable and condemnable.
The chairperson also announced another major reform aimed at enhancing transparency in the programme. Starting from July this year, all BISP payments will be disbursed exclusively through digital wallets, replacing traditional payment methods.
According to her, the move is intended to eliminate the difficulties faced by beneficiary women who often have to visit banks and payment centres repeatedly to receive their funds. Under the new system, payments will be transferred directly to beneficiaries through digital accounts.
These digital wallet accounts can be opened using a Benazir mobile SIM, and all financial assistance provided under the various public relief initiatives of the Benazir Income Support Programme will be distributed through these accounts.
Officials believe the shift to digital payments will improve transparency, reduce delays and ensure that financial assistance reaches beneficiaries more efficiently and securely.
Also read: BISP introduces digital wallet system for payments
The programme was launched in 2008. It is the largest cash transfer programme in Pakistan’s history. It has both short-term and long-term goals.
The short term goal of BISP is to protect poor people from the effects of inflation, food shortages and slow economic growth.
The long term goal of the program is to reduce extreme poverty. And support women’s empowerment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
