ISLAMABAD: Against the apparent backdrop of the criticism on Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) by one of the advisers of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid has sought an apology from “those who have undermined the dignity of BISP beneficiary families.”
“The spread of misinformation and negative propaganda about BISP is unfortunate— the humiliation of poor and hardworking people is unacceptable, and those who have undermined the dignity of BISP beneficiary families should apologise,” she addressed a presser on Monday.
Although the BISP chairperson did not name anyone, her statement came in obvious reference to the remarks made by Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Senator Rana Sanaullah that were critical of BISP.
Last Thursday, he said at a talk show aired on a news channel that BISP served “no purpose other than turning people into beggars.”
The PM’s adviser also alleged widespread corruption in BISP’s operations, especially in Punjab.
“The programme reflects the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have full confidence in BISP, as demonstrated by the successful delivery of the Prime Minister’s Ramazan Relief Package through BISP over the past two years,” Senator Khalid said in the presser.
“BISP safeguards the dignity and economic empowerment of beneficiary women; negative propaganda against the programme is condemnable. BISP is a globally recognised model of financial inclusion, and international institutions are learning from its experience,” she added.
Senator Khalid highlighted that BISP continues to introduce reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and empowering women beneficiaries.
She said BISP is currently supporting more than 10 million deserving families across Pakistan.
The senator emphasised that the programme is a “continuation of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and reflects the State’s commitment to protecting the dignity of poor and lower-middle-income households.”
She clarified that BISP is “not charity; rather, it is a dignified social protection mechanism designed to support vulnerable families.”
All BISP payments will be made exclusively through digital wallets from the start of next month, Senator Khalid added.
Women facing biometric verification issues or those whose fingerprints cannot be verified will also be able to access their funds through bank accounts, the chairperson said.
She said BISP’s National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) is regarded as a credible and reliable database across the country.
“Provincial governments utilise this data for various welfare schemes, subsidy programmes, and social assistance initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations,” the senator added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026