The Benazir Income Support Programme will shift all beneficiary payments to a digital wallet system from July 2026, a move aimed at improving transparency, preventing unauthorized deductions, and enhancing financial inclusion for millions of women across Pakistan.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference on Monday, Rubina Khalid said more than 8 million free Benazir SIMs have already been distributed among women beneficiaries, while digital wallets are being opened in their names to facilitate direct and secure access to financial assistance.
She said the transition to digital wallets will empower women beneficiaries by giving them greater control over their funds and reducing the challenges associated with traditional payment methods.
Under the new system, beneficiaries will also be able to withdraw payments through multiple banking channels under BISP’s recently introduced interoperability framework. Women facing biometric verification issues will be allowed to access their funds through designated bank accounts.
The chairperson said BISP currently supports more than 10 million deserving families nationwide and remains one of the country’s largest social protection initiatives. She added that several international organizations and countries continue to study the programme as a model for financial inclusion and poverty alleviation.
To further strengthen transparency, BISP has implemented a re-certification mechanism under which beneficiary households are reassessed every three years. The process ensures that only eligible families continue receiving support, while newly deserving households can be added to the programme.
Rubina Khalid also highlighted the role of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), describing it as a reliable database used by provincial governments for welfare schemes, subsidy programs, and social assistance initiatives.
Providing updates on BISP’s social development programs, she said more than 2.2 million pregnant and lactating women and children are currently registered under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which has contributed to a significant reduction in child stunting rates.
She further noted that over 1,000 young people have completed technical and vocational training under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, while another 5,000 are currently receiving training.
Meanwhile, the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme is supporting more than 12 million children across Pakistan, with 503 beneficiaries recently securing A+ grades in matriculation examinations.
The chairperson reaffirmed BISP’s commitment to expanding transparency, efficiency, and citizen-focused service delivery through its nationwide network of 647 centers.
