Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Bilawal demands immediate support for flood victims, farmers 

Bilawal

KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the need for immediate relief to farmers and flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He announced that the Sindh government will support small farmers through the Benazir Hari Card initiative, while urging the federal government to step up its role to expand … Read more

Aseefa Bhutto voices PPP’s demand for agricultural emergency

ISLAMABAD: First Lady and Member of the National Assembly,  Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, has said that Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded the federal government to impose an agricultural emergency in the country. In her statement, Aseefa Bhutto said Bilawal Bhutto has also called on the government to waive electricity bills in … Read more

Benazir Kafalat Programme opens registration for transgenders

Benazir Kafalat

ISLAMABAD: The registration process for transgenders under the Benazir Kafalat Programme announced. The registration procedure for transgender persons under the Benazir Kafalat Programme has been officially outlined. The government’s flagship social welfare initiative, designed to provide financial assistance to poor and deserving families, has now been expanded to include the transgender community. By becoming part … Read more

BISP introduces digital wallet for easy online access to funds

BISP introduces digital wallet for easy online access to funds

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched 1 crore digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling it a big step towards financial inclusion, transparency, and empowerment. The new system will give people direct digital access to their financial assistance without delays or middlemen. With this move, the government aims to … Read more

BISP organizes Quran recitation event on BB’s martyrdom anniversary

BISP

ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) organized a solemn Quran recitation event at its headquarters auditorium to honor the 17th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The event witnessed active participation from BISP employees. On the directive of BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, Quran and Fateha recitation ceremonies were simultaneously held across all … Read more

BISP organizes event to celebrate Christmas and Quaid’s Birthday

BISP

ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) held a ceremony at its headquarters today to celebrate both Christmas and the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was attended by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, Additional Secretary Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor, Director Generals from various departments, BISP employees from the Christian community, beneficiaries, and … Read more

Pakistan, ADB sign social protection agreement

Pakistan’s GDP to grow by 2.5% in FY2025, says ADB

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement for the Integrated Social Protection Development Program (ISPDP) Additional Financing, amounting to USD 330 million.

According to press release issued by Economic Affairs Division, this program builds on the ongoing ADB-funded programfor strengthening and expanding social protection systems in Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

The agreement was signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz and ADB Country Director Emma Fan, the statement added.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs highlighted the importance of this additional financing from concessional lending for enhancing institutional capacity and improving access to education and healthcare particularly among women, adolescent girls, and children from low-income families.

He expressed gratitude for ADB’s continued support in this regard, according to press release.

On the occasion, the Country Director, ADB reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s objectives in strengthening social safety nets.

She stated that this additional financing will support in achieving the program objectives of achieving inclusive growth, poverty reduction skills development and healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

According to the statement, the signing of this loan agreement marks a significant step forward in enhancing social protection systems in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, ADB share in its X account that the result-based loan for the ongoing Program will help expand the grassroots-level social protection to alleviate poverty among poor women and their families.

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Sindh to distribute 200,000 solar kits among low-income families

Sindh government introduces 0.5 million solar systems for deserving residents

KARACHI: “Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, speaking at the signing ceremony of framework agreements for solar systems, said that 200,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS) would be provided to low-income households selected through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) data in all districts of the province.”

He said that by the end of October first batch of 50,000 SHS kits would reach Karachi for onward distribution.

Murad Shah said that the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) was being executed for Rs27.4 billion with the $100 million financial support of the World Bank.

According to the CM Component – III of the SSEP the Provision of 200,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS) to low-income households in all districts of the province under BISP Data.

Murad Shah said that the Solar Home Systems would consist of an 80-100 W Solar PV Plate, a minimum 18 AH Lithium-ion battery, one  DC fan, three  LED bulbs and a mobile charging facility. The SHS set was shown to the Cm which he approved.

The chief minister disclosed that the system’s estimated cost was around Rs.55,000,  including transport, taxes and duties and would be provided to eligible low-income families at around 80 per cent subsidy.

Sharing the criteria, the CM said that the selection of low-income households has been made by using the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) register of low-income households as the criteria for household eligibility; The poverty scorecard ranging from 21 to 50 has been initially used.

The BISP data ranging from 0-20 are those households, having no capacity of paying at least Rs6000  for a solar home system kit, the CM said and added that these poorest households would be provided solar kits under the Annual Development Program (ADB scheme) of the Energy Department.

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Here’s How to register for Benazir Income Support Program (BISP)

Benazir Income Support Program Latest Registration Update 2024

The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) was established to provide financial aid to underprivileged families in Pakistan. It focuses on empowering women by designating them as primary beneficiaries, ensuring direct cash transfers for essential needs. The government has introduced transparent mechanisms within BISP to reduce poverty and promote social stability by offering a vital safety … Read more

Utility Stores Corporation Reduces Ghee Prices for Public Relief!

Utility Stores Corporation Reduces Ghee Prices for Public Relief!

Utility Stores Corporation reduces ghee prices to provide public relief. BISP-registered families benefit from a Rs 18 per kilogram price reduction. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide economic relief to the public. In a significant move aimed at providing relief to the public, the Utility Stores Corporation has announced a … Read more

BISP Payments Boost to PKR 10,500 Amidst Inflation: Check Details!

BISP

BISP has increased payments to Rs. 10,500 amidst rising inflation in Pakistan. An online portal allows individuals to check their eligibility for BISP by entering their CNICs. Eligibility confirmation is also available via SMS by sending the ID card number to 8171. In a bid to address the economic strain caused by inflation in Pakistan, … Read more

Prime Minister Extends Relief Package for Utility Stores

Prime Minister Extends Relief Package for Utility Stores

The PM has extended the relief package for utility stores, providing continuous support to citizens. Ghee will be priced at 393 rupees per kilogram for BISP beneficiaries, ensuring affordability. Pulses and rice will receive subsidies of 25 rupees per kilogram, easing the burden on consumers. In a strategic move aimed at supporting citizens, the Prime … Read more

Government Offers Subsidy On 5 key Items At Utility Stores

Government Offers Subsidy On 5 key Items At Utility Stores

The federal government has extended relief on five crucial commodities at utility stores. Beneficiaries of the BISP Program will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs. 3 billion. Discounts of Rs. 25 per kg will be applied to pulses and rice. According to sources, the federal government has taken a significant step by extending relief on … Read more

BISP Kafalat Program 2024: Latest Payment Update for Ramadan 2024

BISP Kafalat Program 2024: Latest Payment Update for Ramadan 2024

BISP’s Kafaalat program is providing Rs 10,500 as quarterly cash aid to deserving households. This initiative aims to alleviate economic burdens during Ramadan and is part of BISP’s efforts. Eligible beneficiaries can collect payments from designated points with their original CNIC for verification. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), known for its impactful cash transfer … Read more

BISP Releases New Quarterly Payment of Rs10,500 for Eligible Families

Prime Minister youth program enhances loan limit to Rs1.5 million

BISP has started distributing Rs 10,500 to deserving families for January–March 2024. BISP provides cash assistance to over 9 million families through the Kafaalat program. Eligibility can be checked via SMS at 8171 for female beneficiaries. BISP has begun distributing Rs 10,500 to deserving families as part of the Kafaalat program’s quarterly cash assistance for … Read more

LHC rejects plea seeking removal of Nawaz Sharif’s photo from ration bag

LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court(LHC) has rejected a petition seeking the removal of former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s photo from ‘Ration Baig’.

The Lahore High Court heard the petition regarding the distribution of ration bags and the photo of Nawaz Sharif, during which the petitioner’s lawyer said in his arguments that the distribution of flour in this way is against the dignity of citizens.

After hearing the arguments of the petitioner’s lawyer, the court rejected a request to remove Nawaz Sharif’s photo from‘Ration Baig’, however, the court took notice of the issue of delivering the money to the citizens’ homes through the Benazir Income Support Program(BISP).

The Lahore High Court has sought a response from the Punjab government.

It should be noted that the opposition had also criticized Nawaz Sharif’s picture on the ration bags of the “Nigehban Ramadan Package,” given by the Punjab government.

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Apply Online for BISP Card: Check Eligibility & Register Today!

Apply Online for BISP Card: Check Eligibility & Register Today!

Introduced in 2008, the BISP Card is a financial aid program for the disadvantaged. The program is inclusive, offering both online and offline registration options. The information on the website is genuine, ensuring a smooth resolution to concerns. The Pakistani government has introduced the BISP Card, a financial assistance program for the disadvantaged, to streamline … Read more

Madad Ali Sindhi emphasizes importance of skill based education

Madad Ali

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi on ‘World Education Day’ stressed pivotal role of quality skilled-based education for shaping bright future of country and encouraged youth to prepare themselves effectively to confront future challenges while serving nation with honesty.

Talking to media, he said, “Bringing children outside of schools into the educational system is need of hour to address poverty, health, social, and societal issues.”

He said, “Pakistan is moving at a fast pace to develop the education infrastructure and policies at every level, adding, BISP like programs should introduce more to enrolled more students in schools.”

He said, “There is also need for more train and skilled teachers where caretaker government was taking steps practically, adding, Skill based education will only meet market requirements.”

“It is imperative for us to transform our education system in accordance with the modern trends,” said the minister.

“A human resource equipped with skills is the prerequisite to deal with the needs and requirements of the modern age driven by unprecedented technological advancements”, minister mentioned.

He said, “Caretaker government was working on comprehensive policies which will adopt keeping in view the human resource demand of country, region and other world nations.”

He said, “Ministry with the coordination of relevant departments will utilize all existing infrastructure and enhancement of teachers’ capacity building, besides increasing the outreach of education.”

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Subsidized sugar increased by Rs 8 at utility stores

Subsidized sugar

The increased rate will be implemented immediately. Non-subsidized sugar has also increased. 155 has been fixed for general customers. Islamabad: Subsidized cheap sugar has been increased by Rs 8 per kg at utility stores; the increase in sugar prices will be implemented immediately. According to the details, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has increased the … Read more

IMF calls for leasing government-owned enterprises, utility stores

IMF leasing enterprises

The IMF has demanded to hand over utility stores to BISP. The international body also demanded an increase in budget. Caretaker setup did not yet respond to privatization. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on Tuesday for the lease or sale of government-owned enterprises, including utility stores. According to details, the IMF has demanded to … Read more

Public welfare projects mainstay of 15-month govt: PM

projects
  • He was chairing meeting to review performance of government.
  • The revenues of government increased by 16 percent.
  • The number of active taxpayers rose by 1.3 million.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Public welfare said the focus of his government was the projects of public welfare and for their implementation and execution clear and comprehensive policies were adopted during the last 15 months.

He was chairing a meeting to review the performance of government in achieving the set targets set.

During a detailed briefing given to him, he was told that revenues of the government increased by 16 percent while the number of active taxpayers rose by 1.3 million.

Under the Benazir Income Support Programme, the government provided assistance to additional nine million families while the power sector recovered 94 percent of its billed amount. Due to special interest of the prime minister, the exports of information technology sector increased substantially in the last four months.

It was informed that in the last financial year, the IT sector exports rose to 2.6 billion dollars because of the government policies and measures.

The foreign investment in the last fiscal year was recorded at 1.45 billion dollars, while the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council would lead to considerable boost in that regard.

It was further told that 99 percent of the targets set under the historic Rs 1.8 trillion Kissan Package for assistance and facilitation of farmers were achieved.

PM Shehbaz said the government’s measures saved the economy from default and put it on the path of stability.

The incoming caretaker government and the next elected government would benefit from the institutional reforms of the present government, and would hopefully continue to pursue the current vision, he added.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive system of inter-ministerial resolution of problems and cooperation.

It was noted that the prime minister chaired 26 review meetings on the performance targets of the government.

The prime minister said he was leaving behind the legacy of “whole of the government approach” – a critical element for economic progress of the country.

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PM Shehbaz launches ‘Benazir Social Protection Account’

PM Shehbaz launches 'Benazir Social Protection Account'
  • PM urged beneficiaries to enroll their children in schools.
  • He said Govt should not go for promoting flocks of beggars.
  • Shazia Marri said beneficiary women would have option to select bank.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the “Benazir Social Protection Account” under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) here along with Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (PA&SS) and BISP Chairperson Shazia Marri.

Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister directed the BISP authorities to place a condition for the Programme beneficiaries to get their children enrolled in schools to promote the education culture in the country.

It must be ensured that after a certain period the beneficiaries would get stipends only in case their children were attending schools, he reaffirmed.

The government, he said, should not go for promoting the ‘flocks of beggars’ in anyway, rather it must promote the ones who were ‘doers’ in the real sense, with both mental and physical capacity to build Pakistan.

The time would come soon when the country would be standing on its own feet and generating resources itself, he added.

The launch ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Poverty Alleviation Faisal Kareem Kundi, members of diplomatic community and BISP beneficiaries.

Briefing about the salient features of the Account, Shazia Marri said under the new system, beneficiary women would have the option to select the bank of their choice, and they would receive the payments directly in their accounts which they could withdraw at their convenience.

Four banks namely National Bank of Pakistan, Bank Alfalah, JS Bank Limited and United Bank Limited had been initially selected through a competitive process for the new payment model, she added.

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PM reaffirms commitment to further expand BISP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his commitment to further expand the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to support deserving families. He was addressing a ceremony in connection with the launching of Social Protection Accounts under the Benazir Income Support Programme in Islamabad. The prime minister applauded the sincere efforts of Federal Minister for … Read more

Bilawal Bhutto launches Reimbursement of wheat seed program

Bilawal Bhutto
  • He said floods of 2022 destroyed 3.6m acres of kharif crops
  • Foreign Minister said farmers suffered a loss to the tune of Rs. 421b.
  • CM said that the disruption of the crop cycle threatened our food security.

KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party & Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated Seed `Subsidy Programme:  Reimbursement for wheat Seed’ by pressing a key of the computer and transferred Rs8.39 billion to Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) which started disbursing an amount of Rs5000 per acre to the small growers holding agricultural land up to 12 acres.

The programme was organized by the agriculture department in collaboration with BISP here at the Banquet Hall and was attended by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, MPA Ms Faryal Talpur and provincial ministers.

Earlier, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, through a presentation was told that the Floods of 2022 destroyed 3.6 million Acres of Kharif crops out of 4.4 million Acres. The Farmers suffered a loss to the tune of Rs. 421 billion.

The Chief Minister said that the disruption of the crop cycle threatened our food security, livelihoods, and economy. He added that the Sindh government, on the directives of the party leadership planned to support the farmers in the form of enhancing the support price of wheat and Agriculture inputs to revive the agriculture sector.

Mr. Shah said that Rs 13.5 billion were required to finance the seed subsidy program. “The Sindh government contributed Rs8.39 billion and the federal government had committed Rs 4.7 billion,” he said and added due to funding deadlock with the federal government and lack of authentic data on farmers, the initial program of providing free seed was revisited when the sowing season had commenced.

The CM said that the implementation strategy was changed from the provision of free seed to reimbursement of the cost of seed at Rs 5,000 per acre.

Murad Ali Shah said that backing out of the federal government from providing their share constrained his government to limit the subsidy to the farmers holding the land up to 12.5 Acres in the first phase and 25 acres in the second phase.

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Terrorism badly affected mental health of masses: Shazia Marri  

Terrorism badly
  • The conference was organzied by SMHA.
  • She said there was no health without mental health.
  • She said there is need to end the stigma  about mental health.

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Shazia Marri, addressed the conference organized by the Sindh Mental Health Authority in local hotel of Karachi.

Titled “How Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) can help with Mental Health Issues”, the conference focused on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rain and flood havoc and environmental issues, in worsening mental health issues around the country.

Lauding the work of the Sindh Mental Health Authority, in highlighting the importance of targeting mental health issues in society, the Minister also thanked the doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and members of civil society who were attending the conference.

Acknowledging the work of Dr Karim Khawaja, the Minister lauded the wonderful work being done in Sindh and highlighted the recent report published by the Sindh Mental Health Authority. The Minister stressed on the importance of mental health issues stating that there was no health without mental health, as the brain was a vital organ that needed care too. She further stressed the necessity of ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues, through the efforts of the media in promoting mental health awareness.

The Minister then stated that mental health issues were rather common, as they could also be seen in political figures around the country.  She however, reiterated that it was necessary to talk about mental health, so that people could feel comfortable in attaining help with regards to their issues. Citing the Covid-19 pandemic and the havoc wreaked by the recent floods, the Minister acknowledged the impact of these disasters on the mental health of the victims.

Expressing dismay over yesterday’s terrorist attack at the Police Station in Karachi, the Minister addressed the prevalent issue of terrorism and its terrible impact on the mental health of the victims of terrorist attacks.

Shazia Marri further shed light upon the issues of child marriage, sexual harassment and incest, and stressed how crucial it was that the mental health issues caused by these horrors, were also addressed.

Appreciating everyone’s presence at the conference, the Minister then suggested the extension of mental health support services to all the women enrolled in BISP, in collaboration with the Sindh Mental Health Authority.

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Ishaq Dar says before IMF deal, taxes worth Rs170bn will be imposed

Ishaq Dar IMF

Ishaq Dar says before the IMF deal, taxes worth Rs170bn will be imposed. FM recalled the programme the current administration was implementing. Dar emphasized the need for reforms in Pakistan. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stated that negotiations with the international lender ended “positively” and that in order to restart the loan program, the government would … Read more

Shazia Marri inaugurates Benazir Nashonuma Centre in Karachi

Shazia Marri inaugurates

Benazir Nashonuma Centre has been established in Karachi Minister for Poverty Alleviation Shazia Marri inaugurated the centre She said the federal government has not ignored any province KARACHI: Minister for Poverty Alleviation Shazia Marri inaugurated Benazir Nashonuma Centre in Karachi. The centre has been set up under Benazir Income Support Programme office at Pir Ilahi … Read more

Shazia Marri meets Iceland’s President, briefs on BISP

shazia marri

Federal Minister Shazia Marri met with the President of Iceland in Reykjavík Shazia Marri is leading a parliamentary delegation visiting Iceland She participated in the  5th annual Reykjavík Global Forum for Women Leadership ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri met with the President of Iceland Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson in Reykjavík. … Read more