Six more banks added to Benazir Income Support Program

October 17, 2024 (MLN): The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has added six more banks to its network for cash transfers, which will reduce the reliance on a few banks and curb the influence of device agents.

Chairperson of BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, during her visit to Benazir Nashonuma Center at Sindh Government Hospital PIB Colony in Karachi noted that 9.3 million families are currently registered with the program.

She added that this number is expected to reach 10m by 2025, said a press release.

During her visit, she inspected the facilities, interacted with the women beneficiaries of the program, and expressed satisfaction with the availability of adequate services.

While speaking to media personnel at the hospital, Senator Rubina Khalid praised the Sindh Health Department for its support in providing necessary facilities and resources for the program.

She highlighted that child stunting is a significant issue that BISP is addressing by providing both cash and nutritional support to mothers of children up to two years of age.

Addressing concerns that BISP promotes dependency, she firmly rejected this notion, stating that BISP is a visionary initiative of Shaheed Mohterma Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, recognized globally for its impact.

The programme aims to eradicate poverty, empower women, and reduce income disparity.

To ensure its effectiveness, she mentioned that an independent third-party survey and monitoring are conducted annually.

Regarding the issue of the agent mafia and the limited number of banks handling cash transfers, Senator Rubina Khalid shared that BISP is in discussions with the State Bank of Pakistan to streamline cash transfers for beneficiaries.

She hinted at upcoming positive developments in this area.

Additionally, she announced that BISP has added six more banks to its network for cash transfers, which will reduce the reliance on a few banks and curb the influence of device agents.

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