An audit of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has uncovered illegal payments exceeding Rs. 25 billion. The findings involve approximately 600,000 bogus Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) used in beneficiary records.
The audit reports covering the 2024-25 financial year also identified several financial irregularities. These findings have raised concerns about payment verification, financial management and transparency within the welfare programme.
Audit Identifies Multiple Payment Irregularities
According to the audit, irregularities worth Rs. 530 million emerged in cases involving the Proxy Means Test (PMT). Furthermore, authorities failed to recover Rs. 970 million under the programme’s Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT).
The report also identified 7,020 women who received approximately Rs. 100 million through incorrect identification. Auditors classified these payments as violations of established programme rules.
Additionally, the programme distributed Rs. 130 million in scholarship payments through benami accounts. These accounts reportedly had links to five major universities, raising further concerns about financial oversight.
The audit also highlighted irregularities worth Rs 1.79 billion in the Poverty Graduation funds. Consequently, the findings point towards significant weaknesses in beneficiary verification and financial controls.
Audit Raises Questions Over International Agreements
Meanwhile, auditors questioned several agreements worth billions of rupees involving international organisations. These agreements included arrangements between BISP, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
The audit reports have highlighted concerns regarding the programme’s financial administration. Moreover, the findings have renewed attention towards safeguards protecting public funds.
BISP provides financial assistance to low-income households across Pakistan. Therefore, accurate beneficiary records remain essential to ensure assistance reaches eligible families.
The latest findings highlight the need for stronger verification systems and improved financial accountability. Authorities must address these discrepancies to prevent further irregular payments and protect welfare resources.
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