First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has said that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stands as a lasting reflection of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision to provide support and opportunities to vulnerable segments of society. She was speaking to a delegation of the BISP led by Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, which called on her in Islamabad on Monday.
Appreciation for Ongoing Reforms
The First Lady appreciated ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, financial inclusion, and service delivery in the programme. She said effective social protection initiatives play a key role in supporting deserving families and enabling women to participate more actively in economic and social life.
Detailed Briefing on BISP Progress
During the briefing, she was given a detailed overview of BISP’s progress, ongoing reforms, and its impact on beneficiary families across the country. It was informed that Rs716 billion has been allocated for BISP in the financial year 2025–26, while a proposed budget of Rs844 billion has been set for the next fiscal year. Officials also shared that under the Benazir Kafaalat Programme, quarterly cash assistance of Rs14,500 is currently being provided to around 12 million households, with plans to increase the stipend to Rs18,000 from January 2027.
Chairperson Rubina Khalid's Remarks
Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid said the programme, launched in 2008 under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, reflects a commitment to dignified social protection for vulnerable groups. She added that BISP is evolving beyond cash assistance towards a more integrated, digital, and empowerment-focused social protection system.
