BISP chairperson visits injured in Rahim Yar Khan tragedy, announces compensation and orders probe

ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday where she met women beneficiaries who were injured in yesterday’s tragic incident.

MPA Sardar Habib-ur-Rehman, the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital, and BISP officials were also present on the occasion.

The Chairperson inquired about the condition of the injured women and directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical care and extend all necessary support to the victims.

Speaking to media representatives, Senator Rubina Khalid stated that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway and strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible. She further explained that disbursement of
BISP payments is carried out through partner banks; however, in light of this incident, a notice has been issued to the concerned bank for negligence, along with the imposition of a substantial fine.

She stated that the purpose of her visit was to express sympathy and solidarity with the affected families. The Chairperson announced that financial assistance of Rs. 1 million is being provided to each of the families of the deceased women, while Rs. 300,000 is being given to each of the injured.

She also assured that the injured women will receive free medical treatment and that educational stipends for the children of the affected families will continue uninterrupted to ensure their education is not affected.

Senator Rubina Khalid further stated that this was the last tranche under the old payment system. In line with the directions of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, payments from the next quarter onwards will be made through Digital Wallet System to ensure timely, transparent, and dignified delivery of funds to beneficiaries.

She added that while payments are currently distributed through partner banks, the new system will eliminate the monopoly of bank retailers and further enhance transparency and efficiency in the payment mechanism.

Later, Senator Rubina Khalid visited the homes of four BISP beneficiary women who lost their lives in the incident including Anwar Mai (Chak 123), Parveen Bibi (Chak 123), Shahnaz Khatoon (Chak 125), and Aleema Khatoon (Chak 114). She offered prayers for the departed souls, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and conveyed her deep sympathies.

She reiterated that BISP stands firmly with the affected families in this difficult time and will continue to extend all possible support to them.