Pakistan’s flagship social protection program, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), is moving towards a major digital transformation aimed at improving transparency, dignity, and financial inclusion for millions of beneficiaries.
The shift was discussed during a high-level briefing of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, held at the State Bank of Pakistan’s Karachi office.
📌 What Is Changing in BISP Payments?
Under the new system, over 10 million BISP beneficiaries are being transitioned into the formal banking system through digital wallets. These wallets will allow beneficiaries to receive payments directly, reducing reliance on cash agents and improving access to financial services.
The initiative is part of the Prime Minister’s Cashless Economy Initiative, launched in August 2025, to modernize welfare payments across Pakistan.
🏦 Multiple Banks, One System
A key feature of the new model is interoperability, which means beneficiaries will no longer be tied to a single bank or payment agent.
Participating institutions include:
-
Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
-
Bank Alfalah
-
Easypaisa
-
Mobilink Bank
-
HBL Microfinance Bank
-
Other financial service providers
This allows beneficiaries to withdraw funds from different banks, breaking agent monopolies and increasing convenience.
📱 Digital Wallets and SIM-Based Alerts
Officials informed the committee that beneficiaries are now receiving SIM cards linked to their accounts, enabling:
-
SMS alerts for payment notifications
-
Direct access to digital accounts
-
Improved awareness of disbursement status
Within just 45 days, around 6.7 million SIMs were distributed and activated — a milestone described as a major achievement in Pakistan’s financial inclusion journey.
🗣️ “Payments With Dignity” — BISP’s Core Focus
Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP, stressed that beneficiaries must receive payments with respect and dignity, without any unauthorized deductions.
She highlighted that lack of interoperability in the past allowed agent monopolies to dominate the process, often creating difficulties for women beneficiaries. According to her, without interoperability, the digital shift would remain incomplete.
🏛️ State Bank’s Role in the Transition
Deputy Governor SBP Saleemullah Khan briefed lawmakers on how banks have been directed to:
-
Facilitate cashless disbursements
-
Ensure beneficiary independence
-
Allow withdrawals across multiple institutions
-
Reduce over-reliance on limited service providers
The State Bank has also issued clear instructions to banks to support wallet-based welfare payments.
🔍 Why This Matters for BISP Beneficiaries
This transition is expected to:
-
Reduce long queues and agent dependency
-
Minimize payment deductions and fraud
-
Improve access to savings and financial tools
-
Strengthen trust in government welfare programs
For many women beneficiaries, it represents the first step into formal banking.
✅ Final Takeaway
BISP’s move toward digital wallets and interoperable banking marks a significant shift in how social welfare payments are delivered in Pakistan. If implemented effectively, the system could redefine financial inclusion for millions and set a new standard for transparency in government assistance programs.
Benazir wala loan chahie