BISP budget enhanced to Rs400 billion: Shazia Marri

ISLAMABAD, April 14 (SABAH): Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri has said that the budget of Benazir Income Support Programme program has been enhanced from 235 billion to 400 billion rupees.

Addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi in Islamabad on Friday, Shazia Marri said that nine million families are part of Kafalat program. She said stipend under BISP has been increased from 7,000 rupees to 8,750 rupees.

Shazia Marri further said that seventy billion rupees were disbursed among 2.8 million flood affected families of the country.

She further said due to imprudent policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, poor and middle class people are suffering from the price hike and the inflation.

She said that families availing Benazir Taleemi Wazaif have been increased from 2.6 million to 7.1 million. She said Benzir Nashonuma has also expanded all across Pakistan and 474 facilitation centers have been set up across Pakistan in this regard.

She said transgender community is facing social economic challenges. She said transgenders have also been included in BISP program. She asked them to get themselves registered at tehsil offices of BISP.

Commenting on prevailing political situation in the country, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi said Pakistan People’s Party believes in dialogue for a way forward. He said constitution of Pakistan is supreme and it should be followed.

He said PPP has formed a special committee for dialogue consisting of three members. He expressed hope that opposition would come forward for table talks.