BISP August 2025: How stopping cash payments affects domestic violence

For more than 15 years, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has helped Pakistan’s poorest families. Started in 2008, it gives cash directly to women in low-income households. This money helps families pay for essentials and gives women more control over household decisions.

In August 2025, new rules changed who can receive payments. While the goal is to help the neediest, some families lost their benefits. This creates a risk: without the steady income, financial stress can rise, and domestic violence (Intimate Partner Violence, or IPV) may increase.

How BISP Helps Women

BISP payments do more than provide cash—they empower women. Women who receive money often:

• Have a bigger say in family decisions

• Gain confidence in managing finances

• Have a safety net if they face abuse

Why Cash Transfers Reduce Domestic Violence

Direct cash payments to women help lower IPV by:

1. Reducing household stress

2. Giving women more bargaining power

3. Reducing dependency on male partners

4. Providing funds to leave unsafe situations

What Happens When Payments Stop

When BISP payments are stopped, families can struggle immediately:

• Bills go unpaid

• Food quality drops

• Women lose financial independence

• Household tensions rise

Long-term effects include:

• Children leaving school to work

• Families going into debt

• Women losing decision-making power

• Higher risk of domestic violence

Who Is Most Affected

• Families just above the new eligibility cutoff

• Widows and single mothers in rural areas

• Households with disabled members

• Large families with limited income

Recommendations for Safer Changes

To protect families, BISP changes should include:

• Gradual reduction of payments instead of stopping them suddenly

• Support for women to earn income through skills training, microloans, or employment

• Combining cash aid with healthcare, financial literacy, and legal support

• Stronger domestic violence response, including hotlines, shelters, and awareness campaigns

Real-Life Stories

• Ayesha from Sindh: Her payments stopped, causing arguments at home. She had to borrow money to cover basic needs.

• Farzana from Punjab: After losing BISP aid, her eldest son had to leave school to work.

These stories show that changes in policy can have serious effects on real families, especially women and children.

Conclusion

BISP has been more than a financial program—it has helped women gain independence and keep families safe. As the program adjusts rules, careful planning is needed to protect vulnerable households and prevent a rise in domestic violence.

Read More: BISP launches digital payments in August 2025 for faster, clearer aid