Elderly and disabled beneficiaries left waiting outside BISP centre for hours

RAJANPUR: A report has revealed that several people waiting outside the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) centre in Rajanpur faced severe difficulties while trying to collect financial aid. Many of those present were elderly women, persons with disabilities, and unwell individuals who said they were unable to receive their payments due to uncooperative staff.

According to a report by Aaj TV, the situation outside the centre was chaotic, with long queues stretching along the street. Some people could be seen standing in the heat, while others sat on the ground waiting for their turn since early morning. Many of them said they had arrived as early as 8 am but had to return home empty-handed after hours of waiting.

In the video, a woman claimed that BISP staff were allegedly giving preference to individuals who had personal recommendations or “sifarish” and to those who already possessed BISP cards. She said that many deserving people, including widows, orphans, and disabled persons, were ignored despite their genuine need.

The situation has raised concerns about the handling of the Benazir Ehsaas Kafaalat Programme, which is meant to provide financial support to women so they can run their households and care for their children. The initiative also assists pregnant women and mothers with newborns, offering support until their child reaches the age of two.

Currently, BISP is facilitating the education of around 11 million schoolchildren across the country.

Another initiative under the programme, the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, aims to provide vocational training to young people, helping them acquire skills to earn a livelihood for their families.