The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially confirmed that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries must bear the interoperability costs of their digital wallets. SBP Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah briefed a National Assembly panel on this development, marking a significant shift in how funds will be accessed.
BISP Cash Withdrawal Fees & Free Services
Under the new policy, beneficiaries face a direct charge for accessing physical cash. They will pay a fixed fee of PKR 280 per cash withdrawal. The SBP plans to review and formally notify this specific schedule of charges every six months.
However, the updated framework does provide cost-free digital alternatives. Online bank transfers and RAAST transactions will remain completely free. This structure actively pushes users toward digital-first financial behavior.
The infrastructure rollout begins immediately. Two private microfinance banks will operationalize the digital wallet system on July 16 and July 20. Subsequently, all six participating banks must finalize their system integration by the July 31 deadline.
Looking ahead, the SBP has established a hard deadline for the end of the year. By December 31, all beneficiary accounts must undergo full digitalization with mandatory online functionality.
Committee Concerns & Accountability
Despite the timeline, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety severely criticized the execution. The panel expressed deep concern over the massive lack of public awareness regarding digital wallets. Furthermore, they called out BISP for its weak enforcement of bank compliance. Consequently, the committee directed BISP management to establish a much stronger implementation mechanism to properly facilitate beneficiaries. In response, BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad promised to submit a detailed, district-wise bank performance report.
During the briefing, the panel also addressed a tragic incident from March. A roof collapsed at a BISP distribution point in Rahim Yar Khan, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Officials confirmed they penalized a private microfinance bank for outright negligence. As a result, BISP recovered compensation funds directly from the bank’s operational share. They distributed PKR 2 million to the family of each deceased victim and PKR 500,000 for the medical treatment of every injured individual.
