UNICEF delegation visits BISP Hqs to learn from BISP social protection & cash transfer initiatives

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (SABAH): A delegation from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) headquarters to study BISP’s successful social protection and cash transfer programs for potential implementation of the similar programmes in other countries as well.

The delegation included prominent representatives of UNICEF from various countries: Abdullah Fadil, Representative of Pakistan, Alice Akunga, Representative of Nepal, Andrea James, Representative of Bhutan, Cairan O Toole, Regional Chief of Programme, Christian Skoog, Representative of Sri Lanka, Cynthia McCaffrey, Representative of India, Edward Addai, Representative of Maldives, Noala Skinner, Deputy Regional Director, Pia Rebello Britto, Global Director of Education, Rana Flowers, Representative of Bangladesh, Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director, Sharmeela Rassool, Deputy Representative Programme, UNICEF Pakistan, Larissa Bruun, Chief of Partnerships, UNICEF Pakistan, Anteneh Girma Minas, Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF Pakistan, Sadaf Zulfiqar, OIC Chief of Social Policy, UNICEF Pakistan, Xinyi Ge, Programme Specialist, UNICEF Pakistan.

The key objectives of the meeting were to gain insights into BISP’s operational efficiency, assess its impact on vulnerable populations, and explore how BISP integrates with other social protection initiatives. The delegation aimed to understand these aspects to potentially adapt and implement similar programs in their respective countries.

During the meeting, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that BISP is the realization of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision. She highlighted the unique strength of the program, which has empowered Pakistani women by providing them with an identity and taking ownership of the country’s most vulnerable. “BISP embodies the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by not only empowering women but also giving them an identity and a voice in our society,” Senator Rubina Khalid remarked.

Senator Khalid also announced BISP’s upcoming poverty graduation program, aimed at enhancing beneficiaries’ livelihoods through skill development. This initiative will enable them and their families to contribute to the national economy while ensuring that more deserving individuals can benefit from the program.

Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, briefed the delegation on BISP’s robust payment system and the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), which serves as the backbone of the program. Naveed Akbar, DG BISP highlighted the reliability of BISP database for social protection programs across Pakistan. The delegation also visited the BISP One-Window Center, where they reviewed its operations and services.