Ceremony Marks a New Era
At a high-profile event in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially rolled out 10 million digital wallets for recipients of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Surrounded by federal ministers, programme officials, and international partners, the Prime Minister initiated the system with a palm touch, symbolizing Pakistan’s digital transition.
Prime Minister’s Remarks
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz described the step as “historic” and “blessed by the soul of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto,” noting that it enhances transparency and protects genuine recipients. He congratulated Senator Rubina Khalid and the BISP team for their efforts and stressed the programme’s role in poverty alleviation and job creation.
He further recalled how during Ramazan, 78 percent of relief funds were distributed digitally, dispelling doubts about the feasibility of large-scale digital disbursements. He highlighted that digital systems not only curb corruption but also ensure efficient delivery of government support.
Integration of Health and Education
The Prime Minister urged that BISP should evolve beyond financial aid. By linking benefits to school enrollment and health initiatives, he said, the programme would create a long-term impact on Pakistan’s human capital. He also asked authorities to cut down the implementation cycle from 8–10 months to just four months, making assistance more effective.
Technical Infrastructure and Security
BISP Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed confirmed that wallets will be tied to CNICs and biometric checks, eliminating identity fraud. He also revealed that 10 million free SIMs are being distributed to beneficiaries, with the pilot already operational in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Telecom operators like Jazz/Mobilink are actively supporting the initiative.
Women at the Center
Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that BISP’s strength lies in empowering women. Benefits linked to women’s CNICs not only recognize their role in households but also enable greater participation in the digital economy. She announced that digital literacy programmes will accompany the rollout to help women adapt to the new system.
