A high-level policy dialogue jointly organized by the Benazir Income Support Programme, the World Bank, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) highlighted the growing role of social protection in strengthening Pakistan’s economy and building long-term resilience.
Held in Islamabad under the theme “Building Economic Resilience Through Social Protection: From Household Protection to Macroeconomic Resilience,” the event brought together government officials, provincial representatives, development partners, IMF representatives, and researchers to discuss the economic impact of social safety net programs.
New evidence presented during the dialogue revealed that BISP-led social protection initiatives now reach more than 10.2 million households, covering approximately 24 percent of families across Pakistan. According to a LEWIE-CGE-based analysis, every Rs. 1 transferred through BISP generates an estimated Rs. 2.34 in real income throughout the economy.
The study found that the programme contributes around Rs. 1.67 trillion in annual income and generates approximately Rs. 1.21 trillion in additional economic production each year. It also supports nearly 1.66 million full-time equivalent jobs, highlighting the broader economic effects of social protection spending.
Researchers further noted that 68 percent of the income gains generated by the programme reach the poorest 40 percent of households. In addition, nearly 24 percent of programme costs are recovered through tax revenues, which amount to roughly Rs. 174 billion annually.
Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said the government is expanding social protection initiatives alongside skills development programs to create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods. He described social protection as a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic policy and stressed the importance of aligning economic reforms with welfare measures to achieve sustainable growth.
The minister praised the support of the World Bank and FCDO and acknowledged the efforts of BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid and her team in serving millions of vulnerable families across the country.
Speaking at the event, Senator Rubina Khalid said BISP has evolved into the backbone of Pakistan’s social protection system by promoting not only financial support but also human development and economic empowerment. She emphasized that the programme continues to advance education, maternal and child health, and skills development through initiatives such as the Benazir Hunarmand Programme.
She added that BISP possesses strong institutional systems and reliable data infrastructure but must continue to evolve to address emerging social and economic challenges. According to her, social protection should be viewed as an investment in economic growth, employment generation, and human capital development rather than a welfare expense.
The findings underscore the increasingly important role of social safety nets in supporting vulnerable households while contributing to broader economic activity, job creation, and poverty reduction across Pakistan.
