Good News For BISP Beneficiaries – Check Details

The Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, chaired by Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer, convened to evaluate the performance, ongoing projects, and financial status of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal.

The session, attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar and Rubina Qaim Khani, featured a detailed briefing by Senator Rubina Khalid, who also chairs BISP. She provided insights into the current staffing situation within BISP, noting that “11 officers of Grade-19 and above — mainly from the Education Department — are currently serving in the organization.” She confirmed that “no senior officers from the Health Department are posted on deputation.”

Senator Khalid expressed concern that “such practices disrupt operations in parent departments and erode institutional memory once officers return to their original roles.” She further explained that while BISP aims to recruit fresh staff to strengthen its operations, “hiring has been delayed due to restrictions imposed by the Finance Division amid fiscal challenges.” In light of this, the committee unanimously recommended summoning the Finance Minister at their next meeting to discuss funding for new appointments.

Regarding the registration process, the BISP chair emphasized that “eligibility is determined strictly through poverty assessment criteria, with no scope for external influence.” She highlighted that BISP “enjoys international recognition as one of the most transparent social safety initiatives,” with several countries showing interest in replicating the model.

Committee Chairman Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer praised BISP’s significant role in poverty alleviation and underscored the importance of expanding the programme nationwide. He emphasized that “BISP is a national initiative, not tied to any political affiliation.”

The committee also received a briefing on the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, a partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), which provides nutritional support, healthcare services, and quarterly medical checkups for children. Officials reported that this initiative has contributed to a 6.4% reduction in food insecurity.

The committee’s review underscores the critical role of social safety nets like BISP and the need for sustained support to enhance their impact on poverty reduction across Pakistan.