Islamabad, January 1, 2025: In a notable development for the beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP, announced an increase in the quarterly payment under the Benazir Kafaalat initiative to Rs 13,500.
Senator Khalid further highlighted that 2025 has been designated as the year of the ‘Benazir Hunarmand Programme,’ an initiative aimed at empowering deserving individuals through skill development and vocational training. The program seeks to open doors to sustainable employment opportunities and economic independence.
Since its launch in July 2008, BISP has become Pakistan’s largest social safety net, dedicated to alleviating poverty and extending financial assistance to the country’s most vulnerable groups. With a primary focus on women, the program enhances their financial independence, enabling them to support their families through unconditional cash transfers and other social protection measures.
To improve convenience for beneficiaries, the government has expanded the network of banks facilitating payment withdrawals. Previously, payments were exclusively processed through Habib Bank Limited (HBL), often resulting in delays and long queues. Now, families can access their quarterly payments through multiple banks, ensuring smoother and more efficient transactions.
The participating banks include:
- Bank Al-Falah
- Bank of Punjab
- Mobilink Microfinance (JazzCash)
- Telenor Microfinance Bank
- Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
- HBL Microfinance
This expansion represents a significant stride in enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of one of Pakistan’s most impactful poverty alleviation initiatives.
