ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) signed an MoU with a German bank on Saturday for alleviation of poverty and rehabilitation of flood victims in the country.

Under the agreement, KfW will provide 27 million euros (over Rs8 billion) to the social safety network.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmed and KfW’s Country Director Sebastian Jacobi.

Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation Shazia Marri briefed the KfW team about initiatives taken under the social protection programme, saying the BISP had launched a scheme to meet the nutrition needs of the poor.

Ms Marri highlighted the importance of “early intervention”, especially during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, as “the period is crucial in preventing stunting” and ensuring proper growth.

“To prevent stunting among children, nutritious food and immunisation are provided to babies aged between six months and two years.”

She said the BISP conducts awareness sessions for young girls on hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition. “This MoU will further increase our ability to reach out to a bigger segment of the populace,” Ms Marri added. She told the team that the government was examining a proposal to raise the budget of the Benazir Nashonuma from Rs21.8bn to Rs32bn.

Mr Sebastian Jacobi, the KfW representative, commended the efforts taken by BISP in pulling people out of poverty.

Naveed Akbar, the Director General of Conditional Cash Transfer, gave an overview of the MoU, underscoring the significance of collaboration between BISP and the German bank.

“The partnership has the potential to bring about a positive change in the lives of BISP beneficiaries,” Mr Akbar said.

Amer Ali Ahmed, the BISP secretary, said the MoU “commits the two organisations to work together for the betterment of Pakistan’s poor”.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2023