Karachi: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Sohrab Goth on Thursday.
She was warmly received by Chairman TMC Sohrab Goth, Lala Rahim, along with his team. Pakistan Peoples Party Member of the National Assembly Shahida Rehmani was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Rubina Khalid said that the Benazir Income Support Programme is the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, aimed at empowering deprived and deserving segments of society, particularly women, by enabling them to become economically independent.
She stated that following the martyrdom of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari formally launched the programme in 2008.
She highlighted that the greatest strength of BISP is the recognition of female beneficiaries as heads of households, calling it a unique model globally.
Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that BISP is a non-partisan programme designed for all deserving families, irrespective of race, language, or political affiliation. She noted that over the past 17 years, BISP has evolved into a strong and effective social protection system, currently benefiting more than 10 million families nationwide.
The BISP Chairperson informed that any deserving woman can visit a BISP office for registration by bringing her CNIC, electricity bill, children’s B-Form, and school certificates. She stressed that all BISP services are completely free of cost and urged beneficiaries to immediately report any demand for money in the name of the programme.
She further stated that BISP carries the name of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to uphold the dignity and sanctity associated with this name. She urged women not to remain silent against any form of exploitation or illegal demand.
Senator Rubina Khalid also spoke about the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme under BISP, which focuses on long-term improvement in beneficiaries’ lives through skill development. She said that registration is underway for beneficiaries’ children and family members to acquire market-oriented skills, enabling youth to earn respectable livelihoods.
The Social Protection Wallet System is being introduced, which will operate like a mobile phone account and help eliminate complaints against bank agents.
She clarified that the SIM for the digital wallet is provided free of cost and is available only at BISP offices and designated campsites. Any demand for payment in this regard should be reported immediately, as it is illegal. She emphasized that the SIM is not just a SIM but a financial wallet for women and must be safeguarded carefully.
Responding to participants’ questions, she clarified that BISP enrollment does not involve physical forms, as the programme operates through a dynamic registry system. For complaints, beneficiaries can contact the BISP helpline at 0800-26477 or visit the nearest BISP office if the helpline is inaccessible.
She reiterated that 8171 is the only official BISP number and any message received from other numbers should be considered fake.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Senator Rubina Khalid, along with participants, cut a birthday cake to mark the birth anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.