MUZAFARGARH, Jan 04 (APP):Director General Benazir Income Support Programme Punjab, Haider Murtaza, stated that free SIMs have so far been distributed to around 2.4 million BISP beneficiaries across Punjab, which accounts for 49 percent of the total target, ensuring complete transparency in the process.
He shared these remarks while speaking to media representatives during his visit to SIM Distribution Centers in Muzaffargarh city, where he reviewed the ongoing SIM distribution process for registered beneficiaries.
During the visit, the director general inspected operational arrangements, beneficiary facilitation measures, and overall service delivery at the centers. He interacted with women beneficiaries, listened to their concerns, and closely observed the service delivery process to ensure that assistance was being provided in a smooth and respectful manner.
Haider Murtaza also reviewed the Digital Financial Literacy Training being imparted to beneficiaries at the centers. He highlighted that this training aims to help beneficiaries understand the proper use of SIMs and wallet accounts.
He further explained that wallet accounts are being opened on these SIMs and that, in the future, all BISP payments will be disbursed through these wallet accounts to ensure secure, convenient, and timely access for beneficiaries. He added that this initiative will play an important role in making women independent and empowered in society.
The director general clearly instructed women beneficiaries that these SIMs are absolutely free of cost and no money should be given to anyone under any circumstances. He emphasized that social protection wallets are being entrusted to women as a responsibility, which they must safeguard with utmost care. He advised beneficiaries not to share their wallet information, PIN codes or SIM details with anyone and to ensure the protection of their SIM cards at all times. In case of any complaint or issue, beneficiaries were directed to immediately contact their nearest BISP Tehsil Office or call the BISP helpline at 0800-26477.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved so far, the Director General directed the concerned staff to further expedite the distribution process while maintaining service quality. Haider Murtaza instructed field staff and service providers to ensure smooth operations, effective crowd management, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or misconduct.
Director General BISP Punjab appreciated the efforts of the field teams and urged them to continue working with dedication and professionalism. District Director Farrukh Ayub and AD M&E Saad Tariq accompanied him during the visit.