The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has started distributing free mobile SIMs to beneficiary women in Peshawar as part of its new Digital Wallet payment system. BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid visited the Tehsil Offices Town-1 and Town-2 in Peshawar on Wednesday to review the SIM distribution process and meet beneficiaries.
During the visit, she spoke with women enrolled in the program and listened to their concerns. She also explained how the new digital wallet system works, how beneficiaries can receive their free Benazir SIMs, and how they can access their financial assistance through the new payment mechanism.
Speaking to the media, Senator Rubina Khalid said the initiative follows the vision of the president and prime minister of Pakistan to make BISP payments more transparent, secure, and convenient. She admitted that some challenges could appear during the early stages of implementation. However, she said the system would provide long-term benefits and greater ease for deserving women once it becomes fully operational.
Under the new system, every beneficiary will receive a personal Digital Wallet account. BISP will transfer financial assistance directly into these accounts. Women will receive an SMS once the money is deposited. They will also get another message after withdrawing funds, confirming the amount received.
According to the chairperson, the system will reduce unauthorized deductions and improve transparency. It will also give women greater control over their financial assistance. Senator Rubina Khalid urged beneficiaries not to rush to payment points. She said the money would remain safe in their Digital Wallet accounts and could be withdrawn at any time.
She added that women can collect their payments from the nearest authorized retailer on any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. The BISP chief also clarified that women should obtain free Benazir SIMs only from official BISP offices. SIMs received from shops or private individuals will not work with the Digital Wallet system.
She instructed beneficiaries to bring their original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and mobile phone when visiting BISP offices. This allows staff to insert and activate the SIM immediately. She stressed that the Digital Wallet service cannot work until the SIM activation process is complete.
Senator Rubina Khalid also advised women not to hand over their mobile phones to retailers or payment agents during payment collection. She said the process only requires verification of the original CNIC, confirmation of the registered mobile number, and biometric verification.
She noted that many women had previously complained about having to return to their home districts or visit specific payment centers to receive financial assistance. With the new Digital Wallet and interoperability system, beneficiaries will now be able to withdraw their payments from any authorized retailer of partner banks in any city across Pakistan.
She said the reform would save time and travel costs while making the payment process more secure, accessible, and empowering for women.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, Senator Rubina Khalid said the Digital Wallet System would succeed with the support of BISP officials, the media and the public. She added that the initiative would bring long-term benefits to millions of deserving women across the country.
