In an announcement, Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has unveiled plans to significantly expand the reach and impact of this crucial social safety net. Speaking to media representatives at the BISP zonal office in Gilgit on September 12, 2024, Senator Khalid shared exciting developments that promise to transform the lives of millions of Pakistani families.
A Milestone in Social Support
The cornerstone of Senator Khalid’s announcement is the ambitious goal to extend BISP’s support to 10 million families by the end of 2024. This remarkable expansion reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing poverty and improving the quality of life for Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens.
“We’re not just talking about numbers,” Senator Khalid emphasized. “Each of these 10 million families represents real people with real needs. By reaching this milestone, we’re taking a significant step towards creating a more equitable society where no one is left behind.”
This expansion is made possible by a substantial increase in BISP’s financial budget, a decision Senator Khalid attributes to the support of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. The increased funding will not only allow for a wider reach but also enable a boost in the quarterly installment of the Benazir Kafaalat program.
Increasing Financial Support
Starting January 2025, beneficiaries of the Benazir Kafaalat program will see their quarterly installments rise from 10,500 rupees to 13,500 rupees. This 28.5% increase represents a significant boost in purchasing power for families struggling to make ends meet.
“We understand the challenges families face in these difficult economic times,” Senator Khalid stated. “This increase in the Kafaalat installment ensures that the support we provide remains meaningful and impactful.”
The decision to channel this increased support through female family members is not arbitrary. It’s a continuation of the vision set forth by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and implemented by President Asif Ali Zardari. By putting financial resources directly into the hands of women, BISP aims to promote economic empowerment and gender equality.
Beyond Financial Aid: Empowering Through Education and Skills
While financial support forms the backbone of BISP’s efforts, the program’s vision extends far beyond mere monetary assistance. Senator Khalid unveiled plans for two initiatives that promise to create lasting change in the lives of beneficiaries:
- Benazir Taleemi Wazaif: This educational scholarship program targets children from deserving families. By providing financial incentives tied to school attendance (with a minimum requirement of 70%), BISP aims to break the cycle of poverty through education. Notably, the program offers higher financial allocations for girls, addressing the gender disparity in education in many parts of the country.
- Benazir Skill Training Program: Set to launch soon, this initiative will offer vocational training to deserving women and their family members. “Our goal is to provide skills that are in demand locally and internationally,” Senator Khalid explained. “By doing so, we’re not just offering temporary relief, but opening doors to long-term employment opportunities.”
These programs align with BISP’s dual objectives: improving the quality of life for current beneficiaries while creating opportunities for new deserving families to join the program. By empowering families to increase their earning potential, BISP aims to reduce dependency on direct financial aid gradually.
A Holistic Approach to Poverty Alleviation
BISP’s comprehensive strategy extends beyond education and skills training. The Benazir Nashonuma program, for instance, tackles the critical issue of stunting by providing financial assistance and nutritious food to pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children up to two years old.
“We’re taking a lifecycle approach to poverty alleviation,” Senator Khalid noted. “By supporting mothers and young children, we’re investing in the health and potential of future generations.”
BISP’s commitment to continual improvement and adaptability further reflects this holistic vision. Senator Khalid highlighted ongoing efforts to refine the program’s reach and effectiveness:
- Dynamic Registration Centers operate nationwide, allowing new deserving families to enroll.
- A re-certification process for already registered households ensures that aid continues to reach those who need it most.
- As demonstrated by Senator Khalid’s visit to the Gilgit office, regular interaction with beneficiaries allows BISP to stay connected with the realities on the ground and promptly address emerging concerns.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the expansion of BISP represents a significant achievement, Senator Khalid acknowledges that challenges remain. The program’s growth must be matched by improvements in infrastructure, data management, and service delivery to ensure that the increased support reaches beneficiaries efficiently and transparently.
“We’re not just expanding in numbers, but capability,” Senator Khalid assured. “Our team is working tirelessly to upgrade our systems and processes to handle this increased scale of operations.”
Looking to the future, Senator Khalid envisions BISP as more than just a safety net. “Our ultimate goal is to create a pathway out of poverty,” she stated. “Whether through education, skills training, or support for entrepreneurship, we want to see our beneficiaries graduate from the program and become self-sufficient.”
This vision aligns with global best practices in social protection, where the aim is not just to provide temporary relief but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. By investing in human capital and creating opportunities for economic empowerment, BISP is positioning itself as a transformative force in Pakistan’s development landscape.
A Call to Action
As BISP embarks on this ambitious expansion, Senator Khalid called for continued support and collaboration from all sectors of society. “This is not just a government program; it’s a national effort to uplift our most vulnerable citizens,” she emphasized.
The Senator’s visit to Gilgit, which included a tree-planting ceremony at the local BISP office, symbolizes this broader vision of growth and sustainability. It’s a reminder that the fight against poverty is intertwined with other national priorities, including environmental conservation and regional development.
As BISP moves towards supporting 10 million families, it is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to social justice and inclusive growth. The program’s expansion, coupled with its evolving approach to poverty alleviation, offers hope for a future where every Pakistani family has the opportunity to thrive.
In the words of Senator Khalid, “BISP is more than a program; it’s a promise to the people of Pakistan. A promise of support, opportunity, and a brighter future for all.”
As the Benazir Income Support Programme continues to grow and evolve, it remains true to its foundational vision while adapting to the changing needs of Pakistan’s population. With its expanded reach and enhanced support, BISP is poised to play an even more crucial role in shaping the social and economic landscape of the country in the years to come.
Nauman is an education policy analyst associated with BISP as senior program consultant for the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif conditional cash transfer initiative. He heads portfolio management for the program including planning, budgeting and performance monitoring. Nauman has over 10 years experience in the social impact space. He completed his MPhil in Economics from Government College University Lahore, focusing his research on financial inclusion for literacy and skills development.