Federal Govt Considers Major Changes to Benazir Income Support Program

Advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has stated that it is “not possible to continue the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) in its present form” and suggested that it either be abolished or undergo major reforms.

Speaking on Ghareeda Farooqui’s programme, Sanaullah highlighted that the federation is spending a substantial amount on BISP, which he argued is not suitable given the country’s economic challenges. Instead, he proposed reshaping the program into initiatives such as a “Benazir Rozgar Scheme” or “Honarmand Scheme,” aimed at providing beneficiaries with permanent employment opportunities and skill development.

According to the senator, the matter will be taken up in parliament, and discussions have already been held with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders, who appear open to reforms. He further noted that BISP “has not been used to help flood victims and should not be used for this purpose,” stressing that the spirit of the program must go beyond financial handouts and focus on creating pathways to self-sufficiency.

The remarks have sparked concerns that if BISP is abolished or significantly altered, millions of families across Pakistan who rely on the program for survival could be impacted. The debate has now extended into political and public circles and is expected to intensify in the coming days.