APP
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling the initiative a historic milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward transparency, financial inclusion, and a cashless economy.
With a symbolic palm touch, the Prime Minister launched the system in the presence of federal ministers, BISP leadership, and international partners, including GIZ. He congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, the BISP team, and partner institutions for what he described as a “landmark decision that will safeguard genuine recipients and protect them from undue difficulties.”
“The digital wallet system is in its true sense blessed by the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as it empowers BISP beneficiaries with safe, transparent, and direct access to financial assistance,” PM Shehbaz said.
Highlighting the programme’s role in poverty alleviation and employment generation, the Prime Minister said the digital shift was “a great leap towards a cashless economy.” He recalled that during Ramazan, 78% of relief payments were disbursed digitally, defying skepticism and resistance.
He stressed the need for linking BISP support with education and health conditionalities, noting, “If a family is receiving assistance, it should be tied to children’s school attendance and health initiatives.” He also urged a shorter implementation cycle of four months instead of the current eight to ten.
The Prime Minister praised the State Bank of Pakistan, IT Ministry, local banks, and development partners for enabling the initiative, adding, “We are not just disbursing aid, we are raising an army of architects and workers to build the nation.”
BISP Federal Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed briefed that 10 million wallets will be linked with beneficiaries’ CNICs through biometric verification to prevent fraud. He added that 10 million free SIMs are being distributed, with the first phase already launched in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan in collaboration with Jazz/Mobilink.
Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid hailed the launch as a historic step in social protection, emphasizing that the programme supports over 10 million families and empowers women by linking benefits to their CNICs. She said the wallets will be complemented by digital literacy programmes to help women adapt to the new system.
She noted that BISP continues the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, carried forward by President Asif Ali Zardari and now “excelling further under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.”
