BISP marks 79th Independence Day with tree plantation campaign

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid Thursday extended Independence Day greetings to the nation and called for collective thinking, self-accountability and a spirit of national service to make Pakistan a peaceful, prosperous and resilient country.

Addressing a ceremony held at BISP Headquarters to commemorate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Senator Rubina Khalid said Allah Almighty had blessed Pakistan with abundant resources and the country needed to move forward by making the best use of its potential.

The ceremony was attended by BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz, officers and employees, beneficiary families and children enrolled in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme.

The Chairperson inaugurated the “Green Pakistan, Benazir Pakistan” tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling at BISP Headquarters. She said Pakistan was facing severe impacts of climate change and tree plantation was no longer merely a campaign but a national emergency.

She urged every Pakistani to contribute to the national cause by planting more trees and, equally importantly, ensuring their protection. She announced that the campaign would continue throughout the year as a national movement aimed at creating a safer, greener and more prosperous Pakistan for future generations.

Later, Senator Rubina Khalid, Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad and Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz cut the Independence Day cake with children benefiting from the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme. Gifts were also distributed among the children.

Appreciation certificates were also presented to doctors, paramedical staff and volunteers in recognition of their selfless services during last year’s floods in Swat. Senator Rubina Khalid paid tribute to their dedication, saying that those who serve humanity during difficult times are the true heroes of the nation.

In her address, the Chairperson said BISP was the practical manifestation of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision of providing dignity, protection and empowerment to the country’s most vulnerable segments.

She said President Asif Ali Zardari had translated that vision into reality, adding that BISP was now providing social protection to more than 10 million deserving families across Pakistan.

She urged women beneficiaries to take Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as their role model and play their role in the development of their families and the country.

Senator Rubina Khalid said BISP had also introduced revolutionary reforms in its payment mechanism, with the Digital Wallet marking a major milestone in the transformation of the programme’s payment system.

She said that under the interoperability system, women beneficiaries would be able to receive their payments from any authorized bank agent, in any city, on any day and at any time across the country.

The Chairperson also paid rich tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their sacrifices for the defence, peace and stability of the country, describing their services as a source of immense pride for the entire nation.

She emphasized the need to project Pakistan’s positive and peaceful image before the world and called upon citizens to contribute to the country’s progress through responsible and collective action.