Pakistan is moving to broaden social protection coverage while also strengthening its digital workforce. Two separate developments highlight this shift, including proposed expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme and the launch of a cybersecurity internship program by the National Cyber Emergency Response Team.
The updates were shared during official discussions and public announcements focused on welfare reform and skills development. Both initiatives aim to support vulnerable groups and build technical capacity in emerging sectors.
BISP Plans to Include Unmarried Women Over 35
Officials have confirmed that single women aged above 35 who remain unmarried may soon become eligible for inclusion in the Benazir Income Support Programme. The proposal is part of ongoing efforts to improve social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
The matter was discussed during a session of a parliamentary sub-committee reviewing exclusion concerns within the welfare system. Lawmakers raised concerns that unmarried women without family support often face financial hardship and limited economic opportunities.
Committee member Bilal Mandokhail emphasized that many such women belong to highly vulnerable segments of society and should not be left out of state assistance programs. His remarks highlighted the need for broader inclusion criteria.
In response, officials from the Benazir Income Support Programme confirmed that work is underway to revise eligibility rules. They said the goal is to expand coverage for individuals without stable income or strong family support systems.
They stated that the proposed adjustment aims to strengthen social protection mechanisms. However, they clarified that the proposal is still under review and has not yet been finalized.
Authorities also noted that registration procedures, verification systems, and final eligibility guidelines will be announced after formal approval of the policy changes.
Policy Shift Aims to Strengthen Social Protection Network
The proposed expansion reflects a broader effort to improve inclusivity in Pakistan’s welfare system. Officials indicated that current reforms are focused on identifying gaps in coverage and addressing overlooked groups.
Unmarried women without financial or familial support have been identified as one such group. Therefore, the proposed inclusion is expected to enhance economic security for thousands of individuals once implemented.
National CERT Launches Cybersecurity Internship Program
Alongside welfare reforms, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team has announced a structured internship program for students and recent graduates. The initiative aims to develop skilled professionals in the growing field of cybersecurity.
The program will run for six weeks and will provide participants with hands-on training under experienced cybersecurity professionals. Interns will gain exposure to real-world security operations and digital threat environments.
Practical Training in Cybersecurity Fields
Participants in the program will receive training in multiple areas of cybersecurity. These include incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management.
The internship is open to undergraduate students enrolled in relevant academic disciplines such as computer science, cybersecurity, information security, or related fields. Applicants are expected to show strong interest in cybersecurity and demonstrate teamwork and communication skills.
Internship Tracks and Specializations
The program includes several specialized training tracks to accommodate diverse skill areas. These include Governance, Compliance & Audit, Incident Management & Threat Intelligence, and Cybersecurity Training Development.
Additional tracks cover Software Security Testing, Software and Artificial Intelligence Development, Vulnerability Assessment and Research, and Hardware Security Assessment. Other areas include Digital Forensics, Project Management, Social Media Management, Content Writing, and VFX and Video Editing.
This structure allows participants to gain both technical and non-technical experience in cybersecurity-related fields.
Eligibility Requirements and Technical Skills
Applicants are expected to have a strong understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. This includes knowledge of networking protocols, operating systems, programming languages, and security frameworks.
Familiarity with incident response, vulnerability assessment, and threat intelligence is considered an advantage. Additionally, technical skills in Python, Java, or C/C++ are desirable.
Scripting knowledge in Bash or PowerShell can further strengthen an application. These skills help candidates adapt to practical cybersecurity environments during the internship.
Application Deadline and Process
Interested candidates can apply through the official PKCERT platform. The deadline for applications is June 16, 2026.
Officials have encouraged eligible students and graduates to apply early, as the program is expected to attract significant interest due to rising demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Conclusion: Welfare Expansion and Digital Skill Building Move Forward
The proposed BISP eligibility expansion and CERT internship program reflect two key priorities: social protection and digital skill development. While one initiative focuses on vulnerable women seeking financial support, the other aims to prepare young professionals for cybersecurity careers.
Together, these developments highlight Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen both social welfare systems and future-ready technical education.
