Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the introduction of digital wallets under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a landmark step that will accelerate Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless economy while creating an effective safeguard against corruption.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, where mobile SIMs were also distributed to beneficiaries, the Prime Minister congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, the programme’s secretary, and other stakeholders for what he termed a significant achievement in the digital transformation of social welfare. He said that the move would not only expand financial inclusion but also provide a secure, transparent, and efficient mechanism for beneficiaries to access funds without intermediaries.
Shehbaz highlighted that poverty alleviation programmes are most effective when they embrace digital solutions that cut down leakages, ensure timely distribution, and empower citizens with direct access to financial services. The Prime Minister noted that this initiative would play a decisive role in addressing unemployment and reducing poverty across vulnerable communities.
Reflecting on recent developments, Shehbaz recalled that during the holy month of Ramadan, BISP introduced digital disbursements for the first time, which he termed a turning point in the programme’s journey towards modernization. Building on that success, the launch of digital wallets represents another forward-looking milestone, enabling millions of beneficiaries to receive funds through a secure and traceable channel.
“Digital wallets are a big step toward a cashless economy,” he said during his address. “The sooner we adopt this system, the faster Pakistan will progress. It saves time, accelerates processes, and helps eliminate corruption.”
According to the Prime Minister, transparency remains at the heart of the reform. The shift from manual cash distribution to digital wallets is designed to minimize risks of mismanagement, pilferage, and malpractice. With funds reaching recipients directly, the government believes the system will help restore confidence in public sector social welfare programmes.
Experts see the rollout of BISP digital wallets as part of a broader trend in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem, where digital finance, mobile wallets, and branchless banking are increasingly shaping the future of transactions. The integration of welfare disbursements with fintech solutions signals not only a move towards modern governance but also an effort to expand the reach of the formal financial sector.
By providing beneficiaries with mobile SIMs along with digital wallets, the government is also promoting connectivity and financial literacy, enabling citizens to access services beyond welfare payments. These services could eventually include bill payments, savings features, and microcredit options, paving the way for deeper financial empowerment.
Observers also link this initiative to Pakistan’s broader vision of adopting digital financial infrastructure to reduce reliance on cash-based transactions. In a country where informal cash dealings dominate economic activity, the push towards wallets and digital transfers is seen as a crucial enabler of economic documentation and accountability.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing that digital reforms like BISP wallets represent not just an administrative improvement but a cultural shift in how Pakistan manages financial flows for public good. He reiterated that the adoption of digital tools is essential for efficiency, transparency, and national progress.
With this launch, BISP’s digital evolution is set to reshape how social safety nets function in Pakistan, making them more responsive, inclusive, and technology-driven. As beneficiaries adapt to digital wallets, policymakers expect stronger participation in the formal economy, reduced leakages, and faster delivery of support to those who need it most.