PM inaugurates BISP digital wallets for cash disbursement

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched 10 million digital wallets under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to enable cashless transfers to beneficiaries.

He termed the initiative a historic step towards transparency, financial inclusion and Pakistan’s shift to a cashless economy.

He said the initiative would safeguard genuine beneficiaries, streamline disbursements, and empower millions of low-income families through direct digital access to financial assistance.

At a symbolic ceremony attended by federal ministers, BISP leadership, and international partners including GIZ, the prime minister called the launch a “landmark decision” that strengthens poverty alleviation efforts while aligning Pakistan with global digital practices, PTV World said.

BISP, Gates Foundation collaborate in maternal and child health initiative

“This system is blessed by the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as it empowers beneficiaries with safe and transparent access to support,” he said.

Sharif noted that 78 per cent of relief during Ramazan had already been distributed through digital channels, proving the efficiency of cashless systems despite some resistance from vested interests.

He urged BISP to expand its impact by linking support to education and health, ensuring that recipient families send children to school and access healthcare.

BISP defrauded of Rs144 million, Rs752m still unrecovered from agents

The digital wallets will be linked to beneficiaries’ CNICs and biometric verification to curb fraud, with 10 million free SIM cards distributed in collaboration with Jazz/Mobilink. BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid described the initiative as a continuation of Benazir Bhutto’s vision for women’s empowerment, stressing that linking benefits to women’s CNICs enhances recognition and inclusion in the national database.

Calling the programme “a pathway to social and economic empowerment,” Khalid said it would also include digital literacy training for women to ensure effective use of the wallets.

The prime minister praised partner institutions, adding that Pakistan was not only disbursing aid but also “raising an army of architects and workers to build the nation.”