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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah has said that the government’s landmark initiative of distributing free SIMs to Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries will transform the system of social protection by ensuring transparency, digital access, and financial inclusion for millions of women across Pakistan.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the BISP Headquarters on Wednesday, alongside Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, the minister said the nationwide rollout of the Social Protection Wallet will create a more secure and efficient payment ecosystem for beneficiaries.
He emphasized that the initiative marks “a major step toward empowering the most vulnerable women of Pakistan by giving them safe, independent, and direct access to their financial entitlements.”
During the briefing, officials informed the minister that the pilot phase, launched on November 17 across 41 districts, has recorded an overwhelming response, with 22,000 free SIMs distributed in just two days.
The overall nationwide target is 10.6 million beneficiaries, making it the largest SIM-based financial access drive in Pakistan’s history and one of the largest global exercises in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
It was highlighted that, with support from the State Bank of Pakistan, every BISP beneficiary will now have an individual, interoperable bank account, enabling them to withdraw funds from any partner bank’s channel-a major shift aimed at enhancing convenience, reducing dependency, and strengthening financial transparency.
All eligible women have been advised to collect their free SIMs from the nearest BISP office or designated campsite by December 31.
The officials reaffirmed that this beneficiary-centric effort will improve transparency, reduce fraud, and expand formal financial inclusion for millions of low-income women.
Directors General from regional offices also briefed the Minister on district-wise caseloads and implementation progress.
Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah appreciated the strong pace of work and directed teams to ensure timely facilitation of all beneficiaries across the country.