The internationally acclaimed Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has declared its intention to provide an increase in stipend across its flagship programmes ahead of the month of Ramzan 2026, which will bring financial relief for the 10 million beneficiary families across the country.
Kafalat Stipend Increased
Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid revealed that the quarterly stipend of Benazir Kafalat has been increased from Rs13,500 to Rs14,500. The extra Rs1000 will be released in the month of Ramadan.
Calling it a “Ramzan gift,” the increase is BISP’s way of responding to inflation and helping the poorest sections of society, she said.
Boost for Education and Nashonuma Programmes
An additional sum of Rs500 has been cleared for Benazir Education Stipend programme. Families where the children have at least 70 percent attendance will be eligible for the enhanced payment.
Similarly, the Benazir Nashonuma programme will get Rs500 more. The initiative is providing pregnant women and lactating mothers with nutritional supplements and financial aid to help fight child stunting and improve the health of mothers.
Historic Financial Inclusion milestone
Senator Khalid emphasised the launch of 10 million bank accounts of women beneficiaries as a milestone of Pakistan in the process of financial inclusion.
Under a new digital mode of payment, beneficiaries will be issued free SIM cards with links to digital wallets. SMS alerts will alert them of payments where it is possible.
Greater Choice and Dignity
BISP has implemented the interoperability process among its seven partner banks with the coordination of the State Bank of Pakistan. Beneficiaries are now able to withdraw funds from any partner bank agent without any inconvenience and loss of dignity.
Focus on Skills and Not Dependence
Rejecting the claims of dependency, Senator Khalid said that BISP was a bridge to self-reliance. She says that the Hunarmand vocational training programme has 1500 trainees almost graduating and 5000 newly enrolled.
Concluding her message, she called on the citizens to make the month of Ramzan a month of compassion and service and shared prosperity.
Also read: Ramzan to begin on Feb 19 in Pakistan, moon sighted in major Gulf countries
