The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Pakistan’s flagship social safety net, is set to receive a major financial boost in the upcoming fiscal year, with a proposed 20 percent increase in its budget allocation. The move aims to counter rising inflation and expand support for low-income and vulnerable families across the country.
The national budget for the next fiscal year is expected to allocate Rs 716 billion to BISP. If the proposed increase is approved, it would significantly enhance the program’s capacity to raise stipends and broaden its reach. The expanded budget is intended to address both immediate financial needs and longer-term social challenges facing marginalized communities.
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Beginning January 2026, monthly cash transfers under the program will be increased by Rs 1,000. Additionally, the quarterly stipend will rise from Rs 13,500 to Rs 14,500, with future adjustments tied to inflation to protect beneficiaries’ purchasing power. These enhancements are expected to provide much-needed relief amid the ongoing economic crunch.
The BISP Kafalat program also plans to scale up its coverage to 10 million families. Already, 700,000 new households have been added during the current fiscal year. Enhanced transparency measures will accompany the expansion, including partnerships with new banks and diversified payment channels to ensure secure and accessible electronic transfers.
The initiative aligns with broader social welfare efforts, with Rs 3,156 billion proposed for the health and education sectors. Together, these investments underscore the government’s focus on strengthening the social safety net and improving the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis.
