BISP playing a positive role in eradicating poverty in Pakistan: Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan

ISLAMABAD, April 07 (SABAH): An oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected presidents and cabinet members of the All Pakistan BISP Employees Welfare Association and BISP Officers Association was organized under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) at its Headquarters on Monday. The ceremony was presided over by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, while Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Other political leaders, representatives of government employees’ organizations, and a large number of BISP field staff were present at the ceremony.

In his address to the participants, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider congratulated the newly elected members for winning the elections through the democratic process. He stated that the Benazir Income Support Program is playing a positive role in eradicating poverty in Pakistan. BISP is a sacred institution, and its employees have performed their duties under challenging circumstances with full dedication, hard work, and responsibility. The Governor emphasized that after Senator Rubina Khalid took over as Chairperson, the institution embarked on a journey of development. He advised employees to be sincere, good-natured, and to earn a halal livelihood for the betterment of themselves, the institution, and the country.

In her closing remarks, Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid thanked Governor Sardar Saleem Haider for visiting BISP. She noted that BISP embodies the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a vision that was laid out during her exile in Dubai. Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that BISP not only provides financial assistance to deserving families, but it has also given an identity to millions of poor women in the country. National Identity Cards and B Forms were declared necessary for inclusion in BISP.

Senator Rubina Khalid further explained that, following the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari, a new banking model was introduced to ensure that money is paid to deserving women in a dignified and transparent manner. She also quoted Bibi Shaheed, who once said, “Skill is your asset.” She said that skills can neither be snatched nor stolen. Chairperson Rubina Khalid added that the Benazir Hunarmand Program has been launched to improve the lives of the poor. She assured the employees that their problems would be addressed and also requested the Governor of Punjab for the provision of government buildings for BISP offices in every capital.

At the end of the ceremony, Senator Rubina Khalid presented a shield to Governor Sardar Saleem Haider. The Governor presented shields to the newly elected President of the All Pakistan BISP Employees Welfare Association, Sardar Shiraz, and the President of the BISP Officers Association, Sardar Azmat.