ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Thursday strongly condemned attempts by certain elements to undermine its reputation for narrow personal or political interests, warning that legal action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) could be initiated against those making baseless allegations or using the programme for political point scoring. A BISP spokesperson said the programme is Pakistan's largest national social protection initiative and is widely …
BISP warns of legal action under PECA against baseless allegations, political point scoring
ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Thursday strongly condemned attempts by certain elements to undermine its reputation for narrow personal or political interests, warning that legal action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) could be initiated against those making baseless allegations or using the programme for political point scoring.
A BISP spokesperson said the programme is Pakistan’s largest national social protection initiative and is widely recognised at both national and international levels as a successful model of transparency, efficient service delivery and timely financial assistance to deserving households.
The spokesperson said delegations and development partners from around the world regularly visit Pakistan to study BISP’s operational model and successful practices, reflecting the programme’s global recognition.
Expressing concern over recent attempts to damage the institution’s reputation, the spokesperson said millions of deserving women and families benefit from BISP and that targeting the programme through false allegations or political motives is unacceptable.
The spokesperson added that BISP reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings under the PECA Act, wherever applicable, against those involved in spreading baseless claims.
The spokesperson said BISP operates under the highest standards of transparency and accountability, with its financial and administrative affairs subject to regular audits, robust monitoring mechanisms and oversight by international development partners, ensuring the credibility and integrity of its systems.
The spokesperson said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have full confidence in the programme’s transparent and effective service delivery mechanism. The use of BISP’s beneficiary database during the Ramadan Relief Package, the COVID-19 emergency and flood relief operations, the spokesperson said, reflects the government’s confidence in the programme.
The spokesperson appealed to political and social stakeholders, as well as the media, to refrain from exploiting BISP for political purposes and to help safeguard the credibility of the institution so that deserving women and their families continue to receive assistance with dignity and without interruption.
