ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has sought the expertise of the World Bank (WB) to bolster its digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures, with the WB offering its full support to the initiative. This development came after a high-level meeting between BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid and the World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine at the BISP headquarters on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed potential areas of collaboration between BISP and the World Bank, focusing on Pakistan’s Skill Development Project and the re-certification of BISP’s registration centers. A key highlight of the discussion was the need for enhanced digital capabilities and robust cybersecurity within the organization.
Chairperson Rubina Khalid emphasized the importance of strengthening BISP’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity Wing to ensure the program’s long-term success and sustainability. In response, Benhassine assured the BISP team of the World Bank’s unwavering support in this critical area. Both parties agreed to establish specialized teams to work on strategies that would improve BISP’s technical capabilities and ensure that its digital systems are resilient to evolving cybersecurity threats.
The Skill Development Project, which aims to uplift BISP beneficiary families, is one of the focal points of the collaboration. According to the statement issued by BISP, the project aims to alleviate poverty and promote financial independence through enhanced skills training and job opportunities for the beneficiaries. Khalid shared that empowering families through skill development is a crucial step towards creating a self-sustaining mechanism for poverty eradication.
Furthermore, the meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate BISP’s progress in meeting key performance indicators, particularly in relation to disbursement systems. The discussions underscored the importance of enhancing the technical prowess of BISP field staff to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services. The plan includes implementing specialized training initiatives that will equip field officials with the necessary skills to operate new technologies and manage digital systems securely.
As part of the initiative, both BISP and the World Bank have agreed to form dedicated teams tasked with developing proposals for enhancing the technical capabilities of BISP field staff. This initiative will not only focus on training staff but also integrate best practices for cybersecurity, ensuring that the digital services provided to beneficiaries remain safe and secure from any threats.
This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to digital transformation and the modernization of public service delivery in Pakistan. As the country continues to embrace technology to improve service efficiency, strengthening cybersecurity within key government programs like BISP becomes essential for safeguarding the integrity of data and ensuring the privacy of beneficiaries.
The World Bank’s commitment to supporting BISP in its digital journey signals a forward-thinking approach to governance, where technology and innovation play a pivotal role in addressing socio-economic challenges. By providing full support for digital infrastructure upgrades and enhancing staff capabilities, the World Bank is helping BISP build a robust system that can withstand future challenges in the digital landscape.
In the coming months, the joint efforts of BISP and the World Bank are expected to lead to significant improvements in both the skill levels of BISP staff and the overall security of its digital operations, furthering the program’s mission of poverty reduction and empowerment through sustainable and secure technology.