BISP is a beacon of hope for the poor women of the country: Senator Rubina Khalid

ISLAMABAD, July 03 (SABAH): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid has said that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is a beacon of hope for the poor women of the country, providing them with a unique identity and economic empowerment.

Senator Rubina Khalid expressed these views during a media talk organized by WE News. Rubina Khalid addressed misconceptions about BISP, stating that the program does not make people beggars. Instead, it aligns with global social security initiatives aimed at uplifting the poor. She highlighted that BISP embodies the vision of Shaheed Mohterma Benazir Bhutto for women’s empowerment and criticized past attempts to rename the program as acts of intellectual dishonesty. She announced a new initiative in collaboration with NEVTTC to provide technical skills training to deserving women and their families, aiming to improve their lives and integrate them into the economy. This initiative will help them play a significant role in the country’s economic development.

Addressing complaints about fund deductions from deserving women, Rubina Khalid revealed that BISP has introduced a new payment system involving six banks to ensure transparency in fund disbursement. She added that stipends are now distributed through designated payment campsites, with BISP staff regularly monitoring the distribution process to resolve any issues promptly.

Rubina Khalid mentioned that President Asif Ali Zardari and Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have issued special instructions to ensure that the rightful recipients receive their benefits with dignity. BISP is consulting with the State Bank of Pakistan to open bank accounts for all deserving women, enabling them to receive their stipends without compromising their self-esteem. She warned against fraudulent elements exploiting innocent women in BISP’s name and announced that BISP is working with the Ministry of Information Technology on a digital solution to curb fraud. She reiterated that 8171 is the only official BISP number and urged people to contact the BISP helpline at 080026477 for any complaints.

Rubina Khalid also briefed journalists on BISP’s core initiatives, including Unconditional Cash Transfer, Benazir Kafaalat, Conditional Cash Transfer programs, Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, and Benazir Nashonuma. During the event’s Q&A session, Rubina Khalid stated that BISP currently supports over 9.3 million of the poorest families, identified through a scientific method without human intervention. These households are re-surveyed every three years based on their economic situation, ensuring that those with improved conditions are excluded and more deserving households are included. She emphasized that BISP’s main focus is on human resource development, aiming to provide trained individuals for employment both in Pakistan and abroad.