The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has announced an increase in quarterly payments for beneficiaries under the Kafaalat initiative. Chairman Rubina Khalid confirmed that the payment will rise by Rs 3,000, bringing the total to Rs 13,500 per quarter, up from the previous Rs 10,500.
Launched in 2008, BISP Kafaalat is Pakistan’s largest cash transfer program, providing financial assistance to vulnerable households. The initiative aims to shield disadvantaged families from the effects of inflation and rising food prices, while working towards long-term goals of reducing poverty and empowering women, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Currently, the program supports over 9.3 million families, with plans to extend assistance to 10 million by next year. Starting January 2025, all registered families will receive the increased payments.
To improve accessibility, the government has expanded the list of banks where beneficiaries can withdraw their funds. In addition to Habib Bank Limited (HBL), families can now also access payments from Bank Al Falah, Bank of Punjab, Mobilink Microfinance (JazzCash), Telenor Microfinance Bank, and HBL Microfinance.
