The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has announced a significant increase in financial assistance for its major initiatives ahead of Ramadan, extending relief to nearly 10 million beneficiary families across Pakistan. This move comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance social support, improve financial inclusion, and streamline digital disbursement mechanisms for vulnerable populations.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid confirmed that the quarterly Benazir Kafalat stipend will be increased from Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 14,500, with the additional Rs. 1,000 to be included in the upcoming payment cycle coinciding with Ramadan. The program continues to provide critical support to low-income households, ensuring that families can meet essential needs during the holy month when demand for household expenditure rises.
Beyond the Kafalat program, beneficiaries under the Benazir Education Stipends program will receive an additional Rs. 500. This enhancement is conditional on maintaining a minimum of 70 percent school attendance, emphasizing the program’s continued focus on incentivizing education for children from underprivileged households. Similarly, the Benazir Nashonuma program, which provides financial support and nutritional assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers, will see an increase of Rs. 500, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maternal and child health.
In a major step toward financial inclusion, Senator Khalid highlighted that 10 million women beneficiaries have been integrated into the formal banking system through the opening of individual bank accounts. The program has introduced a new digital payment system that enables beneficiaries to receive funds via digital wallets, accompanied by SMS notifications upon disbursement. Free SIM cards are being provided to recipients through BISP offices and designated camp sites, further facilitating digital access.
Notably, the new system offers interoperability among seven partner banks, allowing beneficiaries greater flexibility in accessing funds. Beginning with the upcoming quarterly payment, recipients will no longer be restricted to a single assigned agent and can withdraw funds from any authorized agent of participating banks. This measure is expected to reduce congestion, improve convenience, and enhance the overall efficiency of stipend distribution.
Officials noted that these reforms reflect a broader trend toward digital transformation in Pakistan’s social protection landscape. By leveraging digital wallets, bank accounts, and SMS notifications, BISP aims to minimize delays, reduce leakages, and ensure timely delivery of funds directly to intended beneficiaries. The initiative also demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering women by granting them direct access to financial resources.
The combined increase in Kafalat, education, and Nashonuma payments, along with the expansion of digital banking and withdrawal options, marks a pivotal step in strengthening Pakistan’s social safety net. Observers say the integration of millions of women into the formal financial ecosystem, alongside enhanced disbursement mechanisms, positions BISP as a model for modern social assistance programs that balance inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency.
As Ramadan approaches, these measures will not only ease financial pressures for millions of households but also reinforce the role of digital financial infrastructure in enhancing the effectiveness of Pakistan’s social protection initiatives.
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