The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has officially launched the Social Protection Wallet to streamline financial assistance for women across Pakistan, Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid announced during a visit to the BISP Central Zonal Office in Lahore.
The initiative, aligned with directives from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to enhance transparency, convenience, and accessibility in the distribution of funds to deserving women.
Currently, BISP provides financial support to 10 million women nationwide, and approximately half of the free SIM distribution process—required to activate the digital wallets—has been completed.
Senator Khalid emphasized that these SIMs are completely free of cost and will be activated by BISP staff, enabling women to receive payments directly in their digital wallets without repeated visits to offices or centers. She urged beneficiaries to safeguard these SIMs, as all future payments will be processed digitally.
The chairperson highlighted that BISP is Pakistan’s largest initiative for women’s inclusion in social protection, financial, and digital systems. She also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary, noting her enduring legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy for women’s rights, which continues to inspire women across the country.
In addition to the wallet initiative, Senator Khalid discussed the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, launched to equip deserving individuals with skills for economic self-reliance, addressing the national challenge of unemployment. “Skill is your asset,” she recalled from Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s words, emphasizing the importance of empowering women through financial and vocational support.
During her visit, Senator Khalid also reviewed SIM distribution centers in Lahore, including LDA Sabzazar, GHS Ali Raza Abad, and Shalamar Bhagwan Pura, instructing staff to provide comprehensive guidance to beneficiaries and ensure a smooth process. The initiative marks a significant step toward empowering women, enhancing financial inclusion, and promoting convenience and transparency in social welfare programs.
