A recent audit of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has uncovered significant financial irregularities worth more than Rs25 billion, raising concerns about weaknesses in beneficiary verification and system oversight.
According to the audit report for the fiscal year 2025-26, more than 600,000 ineligible individuals received financial assistance through the programme. The findings point to shortcomings in profiling procedures, data management, and regulatory controls.
The audit highlighted major weaknesses in the BISP Management Information System (BISP-MIS), particularly in the profiling of spouse-related data. Officials said these flaws contributed to irregular payments in 601,850 cases, resulting in financial discrepancies exceeding Rs25 billion.
One of the most notable findings involved payments made to government employees, pensioners, and their spouses. According to official documents, BISP distributed Rs515.712 million under the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) programme to 12,078 beneficiaries who should not have been eligible under existing rules.
A federal cabinet decision issued on December 24, 2019, had already prohibited government employees, pensioners, and their spouses from receiving assistance through the programme. Despite this directive, payments continued during the fiscal year 2024-25.
The report revealed that 673 serving government employees in grades 1 to 16 received Rs25.20 million. Additionally, eight government employees in grade 17 received Rs0.09 million.
The largest share of irregular payments went to spouses of serving government employees. According to the audit, 9,124 beneficiaries in grades 1 to 16 received Rs402.80 million. Another 87 beneficiaries linked to employees in grades 17 to 20 received Rs2.54 million.
The audit also found payments made to pensioners and their families. Among pensioners in grades 1 to 16, 218 individuals received Rs7.41 million. Meanwhile, 22 pensioners in grades 17 and 18 were paid Rs0.70 million.
In addition, spouses of pensioners were among the recipients. The report stated that 1,847 beneficiaries in grades 1 to 16 received Rs74.16 million, while 107 beneficiaries in grades 17 to 20 received Rs2.81 million.
The findings have sparked concerns about monitoring and verification mechanisms within BISP. Experts say stronger controls are needed to ensure that financial assistance reaches deserving families and vulnerable households.
Following the audit, the Departmental Accounts Committee directed authorities to immediately block all ineligible beneficiaries identified in the report. The committee also ordered the recovery of funds that were irregularly disbursed.
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Officials are expected to review the programme’s verification procedures and improve system controls. The latest audit highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in BISP, one of Pakistan’s largest social welfare initiatives.
