World Bank backs BISP’s progress on Crisis-Resilient Social Protection programme

ISLAMABAD, Apr 06 (APP): Pakistan’s flagship social safety net, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has achieved significant milestones in strengthening crisis-resilient social protection, as a World Bank mission expressed satisfaction over progress and reaffirmed continued support during a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad.
Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid presided over the wrap-up session of the World Bank Implementation Support Mission for the Crisis Resilient Social Protection (CRISP) Programme at BISP Headquarters.

During the meeting, the Chairperson emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency and operational efficiency through revised survey questionnaires, spot checks, the Proxy Means Test (PMT), and a robust recertification process.
She stressed the need to ensure continuity in recertification, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and integrate beneficiary feedback to improve service delivery so that assistance reaches the most deserving segments of society.
The World Bank delegation, led by Amjad Zafar Khan, Senior Social Protection Specialist and Task Team Leader, included Gul Najam Jamy and Sarah Nizami. The mission presented its findings on Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), particularly in education, health, and nutrition, noting that BISP has made substantial progress with several targets successfully achieved.

The key discussions also focused on adopting cloud-based data sharing systems, introducing a beneficiary-centric payment model, and advancing the Hybrid Social Protection Scheme to further modernize programme delivery.
Mr. Amjad Zafar Khan appreciated BISP’s performance under the CRISP Programme and reaffirmed the World Bank’s continued technical support and cooperation to further strengthen Pakistan’s social protection framework.
Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Asmat Nawaz, along with Directors General and senior officials, also attended the meeting.