Senator Rubina Khalid urges the importance of federal-provincial coordination for an integrated social protection ecosystem

KARACHI, Feb 24 (SABAH): Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid has stressed the importance of federal-provincial coordination for an integrated social protection ecosystem; praised the EU and German support for uniting stakeholders to strengthen social protection in Pakistan.

The Second National Social Protection Conference officially kicked off on Monday in Karachi, taking place from February 24th to 26th, 2025. Organized by GIZ Pakistan on behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the conference brings together key stakeholders from federal and provincial governments, development partners, and social protection institutions to advance Pakistan’s social protection agenda. The event aims to enhance collaboration, promote digital innovation, and ensure financial sustainability within the country’s social protection system.

Speaking at the opening of the Second National Social Protection Conference, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, highlighted that BISP is a flagship social protection program. She recalled that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto envisioned a Pakistan where social protection is not a privilege but a fundamental right. This steadfast commitment to the poor led to the establishment of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in 2008.

She went on say, “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto said, “No nation can truly progress if its most vulnerable communities are left behind.” BISP, the largest social safety net in Asia; BISP’s UCT has provided a lifeline to 9.8 m families. Over 10.7 million children are enrolled in Taleemi Wazaif, while Nashonuma fulfills the health and nutritional needs of mothers and children; The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), as the backbone of the BISP database, has facilitated over 95 social sectors; Benazir Social Protection Accounts ensured financial empowerment of women through new payment model; BISP launching skill development initiatives to life better for its beneficiaries; Challenges of poverty, climate change, and economic instability demand stronger social protection mechanisms.”

Senator Rubina Khalid noted that over the past 15 years, BISP has evolved into a multi-dimensional social protection program addressing poverty, education, health, and economic inclusion. Through the Benazir Kafaalat program, BISP provides quarterly financial support to 9.8 million families, specifically targeting women-headed households. Through Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, BISP has enrolled over 10.7 million children, 50% of whom are girls, by linking financial assistance to school attendance. Benazir Nashonuma is transforming maternal and child health by providing nutritional support to pregnant and lactating mothers across Pakistan. Furthermore, BISP is driving economic inclusion through Benazir Social Protection Accounts, ensuring women’s financial empowerment through new payment model.

Moreover, Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted one of BISP’s most remarkable achievements: the development of Pakistan’s first dynamic National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), which serves as the backbone of targeted social assistance in the country. NSER allows continuous updates and accurate beneficiary identification. Today, NSER facilitates over 95 social sector programs at both federal and provincial levels, ensuring that resources reach the most vulnerable. Chairperson BISP emphasized the launch of new skill development initiatives and called for collaboration with partners to empower beneficiaries economically.

She further stated that the challenges of poverty, climate change, and economic instability demand even stronger social protection mechanisms based on global best practices. We must enhance federal-provincial coordination to create an integrated social protection ecosystem. Senator Rubina Khalid reiterated that the government remains fully committed to strengthening and expanding social protection to uplift the most vulnerable communities.

Senator Rubina Khalid extended her deepest appreciation to The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), development partners, and federal and provincial stakeholders for their strong support in driving social protection innovations. She also thanked the Government of Sindh for hosting the conference and Johanna for organizing the event. Keynote speakers at the conference included German Consul General Ruediger Lotz, Country Director for GIZ Pakistan Maria-Jose Poddey, and Project Head of Adaptive Social Protection at GIZ Pakistan Johanna Knoess.