Pakistan’s flagship social protection initiative, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has announced an increase in stipends across its major schemes ahead of Ramadan, providing additional financial relief to around 10 million beneficiary families nationwide.
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BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid said the quarterly payment under the Benazir Kafalat programme would rise from Rs13,500 to Rs14,500, with the enhanced amount to be disbursed during Ramadan. She described the revision as a response to inflation and rising living costs facing vulnerable households.
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Beyond Kafalat, stipends under the Benazir Education Stipends programme have been increased by Rs500. The conditional cash transfer supports families whose children maintain at least 70% school attendance, reinforcing incentives for continued education. Another Rs500 increase has also been approved for the Benazir Nashonuma initiative, which provides nutritional and financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to combat child stunting and improve maternal health.
Highlighting financial inclusion gains, Khalid said BISP had opened 10 million bank accounts for women beneficiaries — calling it an unprecedented step in bringing low-income women into the formal banking system. Under a new digital payment model, beneficiaries will receive free SIM cards issued through BISP offices and campsites, linked to digital wallets. Women will receive SMS alerts upon disbursement and may withdraw funds in portions as needed.
BISP has also introduced interoperability across its seven partner banks in coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan. From the upcoming quarterly cycle, beneficiaries will be able to withdraw payments from any authorised agent rather than being restricted to a single provider, improving access and dignity in service delivery.
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Khalid said BISP’s long-term aim remained helping families graduate from assistance through skills initiatives such as the Hunarmand vocational training programme.