Senator Rubina Khalid, the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), conducted a comprehensive review of the initiative to provide free SIM cards for social protection wallets to eligible women in Karachi on Saturday.
On-Site Inspection of Distribution Centers
The Chairperson personally visited multiple BISP facilities across the city to assess the rollout process. Her inspection tour included the BISP District Office in Lyari (South), the Dynamic Registry Centre in Chaneser Goth (East), and the BISP Tehsil Office in Liaquatabad (Central). She was accompanied by Sindh government spokesperson and MPA Sadia Javed, Ms. Shazia Karim, and MNA Dr. Shahida Rehmani.
At the Lyari Town Office, Senator Khalid met with party workers and issued clear instructions to the staff. She directed them to ensure the availability of Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs) and to set up a dedicated NADRA desk. This measure aims to facilitate the public by making essential services more accessible in one location.
Direct Engagement with Beneficiaries
During her visit to the Chaneser Goth centre, the BISP Chairperson engaged directly with women eligible for the programme. She emphasized that the financial assistance from BISP is a legal right of the beneficiaries. She instructed the women to always count the full amount of their payment and to understand that all services provided by BISP are completely free of charge.
Senator Khalid issued a stern warning against any form of corruption. She advised beneficiaries that if anyone demands extra money or attempts to make an unauthorized deduction from their payment, they should immediately file a complaint at the nearest BISP office.
Focus on Skill Development
During the review, consultant Naveed Khan provided a briefing on the Benazir Hunarmand Programme. He reported that registration for skill training under the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme (BBSYDP) has already been completed for 3,000 children and youth. The programme is open to individuals aged between 18 and 40 years, and online registration is currently ongoing.
Transition to Digital Wallets
At the Liaquatabad Tehsil Office, Senator Rubina Khalid addressed the women beneficiaries, clarifying key points about the new system. She stressed that the SIM cards for the social protection wallets are provided absolutely free of cost and are available exclusively at designated BISP centres.
She explained that trained BISP staff will assist in activating the digital wallets for the women. The Chairperson urged beneficiaries to protect both the SIM cards and the phones on which they are used. All future stipends and cash transfers will be made through these digital wallets, which will be the permanent property of the women themselves, marking a significant step towards financial inclusion and empowerment.
