ISLAMABAD: First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) headquarters in Islamabad, where she chaired a meeting to evaluate its efforts in poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, financial inclusion, and skills development. The meeting was attended by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, who briefed her on the programme's achievements and ongoing initiatives.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the First Lady commended BISP's role in supporting vulnerable families and promoting women's empowerment. She emphasized the importance of financial literacy and public awareness to facilitate informed financial decisions among beneficiaries, ensuring their access to assistance with dignity and transparency. She also advocated for stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, collaborations with Lady Health Workers for expanded community outreach, and greater utilization of social and digital media to raise awareness about BISP's programmes and services.
Senator Rubina Khalid underscored BISP's economic impact, referencing a World Bank study that indicates every rupee spent through the programme generates an estimated PKR 2.34 in real income. BISP supports approximately 1.66 million full-time equivalent jobs, predominantly in rural areas, contributing an estimated PKR 174 billion annually to the national exchequer.
The First Lady was briefed on the Benazir Hunarmand Program, which has registered over 50,000 individuals for market-relevant skills training. The training spans fields such as information technology, healthcare, hospitality, and construction, supported by development partners including the Asian Development Bank and GIZ.
Additionally, skills training delivered through the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, was reviewed. More than 5,000 individuals have received training, with over 1,200 securing employment.
Secretary BISP highlighted the Social Protection Wallet initiative, noting that 9.7 million SIMs have been activated, and 9.3 million beneficiaries have conducted transactions through CNIC-linked digital wallets. He also emphasized biometric authentication and a two-tier verification system to enhance payment transparency and financial inclusion.
The First Lady inspected a BISP Mobile Registration Van, reviewing its registration process, equipment, and services aimed at facilitating beneficiaries, particularly in remote areas. She was briefed on beneficiary recertification, support for persons with disabilities, inclusion of underserved groups, education incentives, and family well-being initiatives.
Senator Rubina Khalid mentioned President Asif Ali Zardari's vision in establishing BISP and advancing women's inclusion in the national identity system. She recalled the 2008 directive that women seeking BISP benefits should possess Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), which helped bring millions of previously undocumented women into the national identity system.
During her visit, the First Lady interacted with BISP beneficiaries, listening to their experiences and reiterating the importance of strengthening awareness, transparency, and accountability to ensure effective assistance delivery.