BISP Launches Social Protection Wallet to Aid 10 Million Women

Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the BISP Central Zonal Office in Lahore, Punjab, and briefed the media on the programme’s progress and key initiatives. She highlighted the formal launch of the Social Protection Wallet, an initiative aimed at improving transparency and convenience in the payment system, following directives from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Senator Khalid stated that BISP currently provides financial assistance to 10 million deserving women across Pakistan. She noted that around 50 percent of the distribution of free SIMs, essential for accessing the digital wallets, has already been completed. These digital wallets will allow beneficiaries to receive their financial aid directly, eliminating the need for repeated visits to BISP offices or centres.

The chairperson emphasised that BISP is the largest initiative in Pakistan’s history for the inclusion of women in social protection, digital, and financial systems. She added that the SIMs being provided to women are completely free and will be activated by BISP staff, ensuring that no charges are levied for any BISP scheme. She urged women to safeguard these SIMs as they would cash or wallets, as all future payments will be processed digitally.

In her address, Senator Khalid also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary, describing her as a symbol of courage, resilience, and struggle, whose legacy continues to inspire women across Pakistan.

Highlighting national challenges, she spoke about unemployment and introduced the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, designed to equip deserving individuals with skills to make them economically self-reliant. Recalling Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s words, she noted that “skill is your asset,” underlining the importance of empowerment through education and training.

During her visit, Senator Khalid reviewed the SIM distribution centres at LDA Sabzazar, GHS Ali Raza Abad, and Shalamar Bhagwan Pura in Lahore. She instructed BISP staff to provide complete guidance to beneficiaries, ensuring smooth access to free SIMs, proper activation of digital wallets, and their protection. The chairperson emphasised that these measures are crucial for enabling women to manage their financial assistance with ease and security from any location.

With these initiatives, BISP aims to modernise its support system, enhance women’s financial inclusion, and provide convenient, transparent, and secure access to social protection benefits nationwide.