KARACHI: Chairperson, Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid, here on Thursday, said the greatest strength of BISP is that the female beneficiary is recognised as the head of the household, which is a unique example in the world.
That, by making the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) mandatory for BISP registration, millions of women gained not only national identity but economic empowerment and recognition as active citizens and voters in the political process.
She expressed these views while addressing the participants during her visit to the Town Municipal Corporation, Sohrab Goth.
On her arrival, Chairman TMC Sohrab Goth, Lala Rahim, along with his team, warmly welcomed the chairperson. Pakistan Peoples Party Member of the National Assembly, Shahida Rehmani, was also present.
Senator Rubina Khalid said that the BISP is the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who wanted to empower the deprived and deserving segments of society, particularly the women, by making them economically independent.
She stated that following the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari formally launched the programme in 2008.
She clarified that BISP is a non-partisan programme, meant for every deserving family regardless of race, language, or political affiliation. She further stated that after 17 years, the BISP has evolved into a strong and effective system, currently benefiting more than 10 million families across the country.
The chairperson BISP said that any deserving woman can visit a BISP office for registration by bringing her CNIC, electricity bill, children’s B-Form, and school certificates.
She emphasised that all BISP services are completely free of charge. If anyone demands money in the name of BISP, it should be reported immediately.
She said that BISP carries the name of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to uphold the sanctity and dignity associated with this name.
She urged the women beneficiaries not to remain silent against any abuse or illegal demand.
She said the Benazir Hunarmand Programme has been launched under BISP, meant not only to provide financial assistance but at bringing sustainable improvement in the people’s lives.
She said that registration is currently underway for beneficiaries’ children and family members who wish to acquire skills. Through skill development, youth will be able to earn respectable livelihoods and become self-reliant, while efforts are also being made to provide overseas employment opportunities to trained individuals.
She said that significant improvements have been made in the BISP payment system, making it more modern and transparent. In this regard, the Social Protection Wallet System is being introduced, which will function like a mobile phone account. The digital wallet will help eliminate complaints related to bank agents.
She clarified that the SIM for the digital wallet is being provided absolutely free of cost, with no charges, and this facility is available only at BISP offices and designated camp sites. If any shopkeeper demands money in exchange for the SIM, a complaint should be lodged immediately, as this is illegal.
She emphasised that this SIM is not merely a SIM but a wallet for women, and its protection is extremely important.
Responding to questions from participants, she clarified that there are no physical forms for enrollment in BISP, as the programme operates through a dynamic registry system. For complaints, beneficiaries may contact the BISP helpline at 0800-26477. If the helpline is not accessible, they should approach the nearest BISP office. That, 8171 is the only official BISP number, and any message received from any other number is fake.
She also informed participants that mobile registration vans are available to facilitate registration in remote areas. If a sufficient number of people gather at a location, a registration day can be scheduled at a government dispensary or any suitable public place.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Senator Rubina Khalid, along with the participants, cut the birthday cake of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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