Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), marking a major step toward transparency and financial inclusion in Pakistan.
The initiative was inaugurated on Monday with a symbolic palm touch, attended by federal ministers, BISP officials, and international partners, including GIZ.
PM Shehbaz congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, the programme team, and partner institutions for creating a secure system that ensures financial aid reaches genuine recipients. He said this reflects the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, empowering poor families—especially women—through digital access to funds.
Calling BISP a landmark initiative for poverty reduction, he stressed the need to expand its scope further. He highlighted that during Ramazan, 78 percent of the relief package was distributed digitally, showing how technology saves time, prevents corruption, and boosts efficiency.
The Prime Minister suggested linking financial assistance with education and health conditions, such as children’s school attendance and health initiatives, to create long-term benefits. He also urged authorities to shorten the programme’s implementation cycle from 8–10 months to only 4 months.
Paying tribute to the State Bank, IT Ministry, banks, and development partners, PM Shehbaz said the new system empowers families to move beyond aid and contribute to national development.
Earlier, BISP Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed explained that the programme will use CNICs with biometric verification to open 10 million wallets and prevent fraud. He added that 10 million free SIM cards will also be distributed.
The rollout has already started in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan in partnership with Jazz/Mobilink.
BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid described the digital wallets as a “historic milestone” in Pakistan’s social protection journey.
She said the system will provide financial security and digital literacy to over 10 million families, continuing the mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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