Islamabad, August 25, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), terming it a landmark milestone for transparency, financial inclusion, and Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless economy.
At the launch ceremony, attended by federal ministers, BISP leadership, and international partners including GIZ, the prime minister said the new system would safeguard genuine recipients and provide them direct, secure access to financial assistance. “The digital wallet system is blessed by the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as it empowers BISP beneficiaries with safe and transparent support,” he remarked.
Shehbaz stressed that cashless transactions were essential to eliminate corruption, improve efficiency, and accelerate economic progress. He recalled that during Ramazan, 78 percent of the relief package had been successfully disbursed digitally despite skepticism from vested interests.
The premier urged BISP to integrate education and health conditionalities into the programme. “If families are receiving assistance, it should be tied to children attending school and participation in health initiatives. Only then will this become a true legacy benefiting millions,” he said, directing that the implementation cycle be reduced from 8–10 months to four.
BISP Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed said that under the new system, digital wallets will be linked to beneficiaries’ CNICs with biometric verification to prevent fraud. He added that 10 million free SIM cards will also be distributed, with the first phase already underway in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan in collaboration with Jazz/Mobilink.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid hailed the launch as a “historic milestone” in Pakistan’s social protection journey, noting that linking benefits to women’s CNICs ensured recognition, inclusion, and economic empowerment. She said digital literacy programmes would also be introduced for women unfamiliar with technology.
