Elements seeking to damage BISP’s reputation warned of legal proceedings

ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid has alleged that “certain elements” are attempting to damage the reputation of BISP for their personal and political interests, and that the Programme has the “authority” to initiate legal proceedings against them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

She made these remarks while hosting an e-Kachehri on Monday.

“Expressing concern over recent developments, Senator Rubina Khalid said that certain elements are attempting to damage the reputation of BISP for their personal and political interests. She emphasised that the Programme operates above all political, religious, linguistic, and regional affiliations and is solely dedicated to serving deserving citizens,” said an official statement issued after the event.

However, the statement did not mention anyone she was referring to.

The BISP chairperson, according to the statement, said that “derogatory remarks against this national institution and the more than 10 million beneficiary households associated with it are unacceptable and strongly condemnable.”

She warned that spreading “baseless allegations, false information, or attempting to undermine the credibility of BISP for political point-scoring constitutes a criminal offence, and the Programme has the authority to initiate legal proceedings under PECA.”

In June this year, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Senator Rana Sanaullah alleged widespread corruption in BISP’s operations, especially in Punjab, saying that the BISP served “no purpose other than turning people into beggars.”

In response, the BISP chairperson held a presser in the same month in which she sought an “apology from those who have undermined the dignity of BISP beneficiary families,” without naming the PM’s aide.

Meanwhile, Senator Khalid, in Monday’s statement, said, President Asif Ali Zardari, and PM Shehbaz Sharif have “full confidence in the performance, transparency, and public service of BISP.”

She claimed that a World Bank study established that BISP not only benefited its deserving beneficiaries but also generated positive economic impacts for local shopkeepers, industries, and the local economy.

Senator Khalid also said that BISP served poor and deserving families across the country without any discrimination, and that it aimed at reducing the financial hardships of low-income households by helping them maintain a balance between their income and essential expenditures.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026