Senate Committee Discusses Digital Payments and Staffing at Benazir Income Support Program

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance discussed the recruitment of additional staff for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb saying the government is digitizing all BISP payments. He said financial assistance for beneficiaries will be transferred through digital wallets as part of broader efforts to expand the use of technology across public institutions, including BISP.

The finance minister said the move aims to improve transparency and efficiency, noting that an unfortunate incident occurred last year during the distribution of BISP funds. BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid told the committee that the program does not have its own permanent workforce and currently relies on employees serving on deputation. She added that while payments are being made digitally through banks, additional operational staff are still needed.

Senator Talha Mahmood supported the finance minister’s position, saying government jobs have become highly sought after by the public. Responding to suggestions that BISP did not require more employees, Senator Rubina Khalid expressed surprise, insisting that the program requires additional operational personnel to effectively manage its expanding responsibilities under the digital payment system.