BISP to launch digital wallet-based payments nationwide from July 2026; over 8 million Benazir SIMs distributed

ISLAMABAD, Jun 08 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid on Monday announced that all BISP payments would be made through digital wallets from July 2026, saying the initiative would enhance transparency, eliminate unauthorized deductions and strengthen the economic empowerment of beneficiary women.

She also regretted the spread of misinformation about the programme, describing BISP as a globally recognized model of financial inclusion and social protection that continues to support more than 10 million deserving families across Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference at BISP Headquarters regarding the introduction of digital wallets and distribution of Benazir SIMs, she said the programme reflected the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and enjoyed the full confidence of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

She added that several countries and international organizations were studying and learning from the BISP model.

The Chairperson stated that both the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have full confidence in the programme.

As evidence of this trust, she stated that the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package has been successfully delivered through BISP’s digital payment mechanisms for the past two years.

She stressed that any humiliation or disrespect towards poor and hardworking citizens is unacceptable and called upon those who have undermined the dignity of beneficiary families to apologize.

Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted that BISP continues to introduce reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and empowering women beneficiaries. She stated that the Digital Wallet initiative has been launched to provide greater financial autonomy to women and improve the efficiency of payments. More than 8 million free Benazir SIMs have already been distributed among women beneficiaries, and digital wallets are being opened in their names to eliminate unauthorized deductions and unnecessary difficulties in accessing payments.

She further informed that BISP has introduced an Interoperability System, enabling beneficiaries to withdraw their payments through multiple banking channels according to their convenience. She announced that beginning in July 2026, all BISP payments will be made exclusively through digital wallets. Women facing biometric verification issues or those whose fingerprints cannot be verified will also be able to access their funds through bank accounts.

The Chairperson stated that BISP has introduced a re-certification mechanism to further strengthen transparency. Under this system, beneficiary households are reassessed every three years to ensure that only genuinely deserving families continue to receive support, while households whose economic conditions have improved can be replaced by newly eligible families.

She said that BISP’s National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) is regarded as a credible and reliable database across the country. Provincial governments utilize this data for various welfare schemes, subsidy programmes, and social assistance initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

Speaking about the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid said that more than 2.2 million pregnant and lactating women and their children are currently registered under the programme. She stated that continued efforts are being made to improve maternal and child health and nutrition, adding that the programme has contributed to a 22 percent reduction in stunting rates in Pakistan.

She further stated that under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, young people are being provided with technical and vocational training. More than 1,000 youth have already received certificates, while another 5,000 are currently undergoing training in various fields.

The Chairperson also highlighted the achievements of the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme, under which more than 12 million children are currently receiving educational support. She shared that 503 students benefiting from the programme secured A+ grades in matriculation examinations, reflecting the positive impact of BISP’s investments in education.

Senator Rubina Khalid stated that BISP is providing services to beneficiary families through its network of 647 centres across the country.

She reaffirmed the Programme’s commitment to becoming more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric while continuing to work for the welfare and socio-economic uplift of poor and vulnerable segments of society.