Women receiving financial assistance through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) are being prepared for a new digital payment system. The programme has launched a nationwide awareness and training campaign to help beneficiaries understand the changes and access their payments more conveniently.
Under the new arrangement, women can withdraw their payments from authorised retailers of partner banks across Pakistan. However, they must first receive a payment confirmation SMS before collecting their money.
The initiative aims to make payments more accessible while helping beneficiaries understand how to use digital financial services safely. Therefore, BISP is focusing on staff training, public awareness and guidance for women receiving financial assistance.
How Will the New BISP Digital Payment System Work?
The new system will allow beneficiaries to withdraw payments from authorised retailers associated with partner banks. Its interoperability feature means women can access their money in any city, according to their convenience.
Previously, dependence on designated payment centres could create additional difficulties for beneficiaries. However, the new arrangement is intended to provide greater flexibility when collecting payments.
BISP Additional Secretary Dr Asmat Nawaz explained the importance of preparing staff and beneficiaries for the transition. Addressing the opening training session, he said effective staff training, capacity building and broad awareness among women were essential for successful implementation.
Moreover, the system aims to reduce the need to travel to specific payment centres. This could help beneficiaries save travel expenses and avoid some of the difficulties associated with collecting financial assistance.
BISP Launches Nationwide Awareness and Training Campaign
BISP has introduced the campaign to familiarise women with the new payment arrangements. The training activities will also help programme staff explain the process and guide beneficiaries through potential challenges.
Dr Asmat Nawaz emphasised that staff must provide clear information about digital payments. In addition, he urged officials to help women understand their responsibilities when using digital financial services.
The campaign focuses on practical steps, including the safe use of digital wallets and the protection of mobile phones and SIM cards. Beneficiaries must also understand how to confirm their payments and keep transaction-related SMS messages safe.
Furthermore, staff have been instructed to explain the importance of receiving the full amount due. This guidance is particularly relevant as beneficiaries begin using the updated payment arrangements.
BISP Warns Against Unauthorised Payment Deductions
Dr Asmat Nawaz made it clear that BISP would not tolerate unauthorised deductions from beneficiaries’ payments. Women should receive the full amount payable to them under the programme.
Beneficiaries who encounter payment-related problems can seek help through official channels. They can contact the BISP helpline at 0800-26477 or visit their relevant tehsil office for assistance.
Therefore, women should report complaints rather than accept unexplained deductions from their financial assistance. The helpline and tehsil offices provide designated routes for seeking support when payment issues arise.
What Should Women Know Before Collecting BISP Payments?
The new arrangement introduces greater flexibility, but beneficiaries should follow the programme’s guidance when accessing their money.
Key points include:
- Wait for confirmation: Receive the payment confirmation SMS before withdrawing money.
- Use authorised retailers: Collect payments through authorised retailers of partner banks.
- Protect personal devices: Keep mobile phones and SIM cards secure.
- Save transaction messages: Keep SMS messages related to payment transactions safe.
- Check the full amount: Ensure that the payment received matches the amount due.
- Report complaints: Contact the BISP helpline at 0800-26477 or visit the relevant tehsil office if problems arise.
These precautions can help women navigate the new payment system and respond appropriately to payment-related concerns.
UNICEF Supports BISP Training Activities
Dr Asmat Nawaz also acknowledged the support provided by UNICEF’s Social Policy Section in organising the training activities. The session brought together senior BISP officials, directors, consultants and staff members.
Those attending included Director General Operations and Monitoring Adnan Ghuman, Director General Punjab Naseeruddin Sarwar and Director Payment Faisal Aslam. Director Media Qurat ul Ain Fatima and Director Central Zone Waqar-un-Nisa also participated.
Deputy Director Training Dr Qurat ul Ain attended alongside consultants Farrukh and Hamza. Other BISP and Punjab officials and staff members were also present.
What the Digital Payment Changes Mean for BISP Beneficiaries
The nationwide awareness campaign marks an important step in preparing women for BISP’s new digital payment arrangements. By allowing withdrawals through authorised partner-bank retailers across Pakistan, the system aims to reduce dependence on designated payment centres.
At the same time, BISP is emphasising digital safety, full payment delivery and accessible complaint channels. As implementation progresses, clear guidance will remain essential to helping beneficiaries understand the process and access their financial assistance more conveniently.
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