Islamabad- September 5, 2024- Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, has stated that the Benazir Income Support Program is Pakistan’s largest social protection initiative. This program was envisioned by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and was implemented by President Asif Ali Zardari in 2008. As a result, poor women in Pakistan have gained recognition. While talking to the media persons at the BISP headquarters on Thursday, Senator Rubina Khalid addressed the negative perception regarding the BISP, which suggests that it is turning the poor into beggars. She pointed out that similar social protection programs exist worldwide.
On this occasion, Chairperson BISP announced the launch of the Benazir Skill Training Program for deserving women and their families. She said that consultations are underway with NAVTTC and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to provide technical training in fields that meet local and international market needs. This will ensure that certifications align with international standards, providing employment opportunities for trainees.
Robina Khalid highlighted that under the special directives of President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the poor people of Balochistan are being prioritized through BISP. To facilitate greater inclusion, the Proxy Means Test (PMT) score threshold for participation in educational scholarships and the nutrition program has been raised from 32 to 60, allowing more deserving families to benefit. A new banking model has also been introduced to address complaints of women not receiving the full amount during the quarterly disbursements under the Kafalat program. Under this model, the country has been divided into 15 clusters, with six banks assigned to ensure transparency. Earlier, BISP Secretary Aamir Ali Ahmed briefed the media on BISP’s initiatives, informing them that the program is providing dignified financial assistance to over 9.3 million deserving families. Through the Kafalat program, needy women are receiving Rs. 10,500 every quarter. Furthermore, 7.9 million children have been enrolled in schools under the educational stipend program, while 2 million mothers and children are benefiting from the Benazir Nashonuma Program. Additionally, a BISP savings scheme has been launched, with the pilot phase encouraging savings among 150,000 individuals.
