GILGIT: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid arrived in Skardu on Wednesdayona four-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Speaking to journalists in Skardu, she outlined the purpose of her visit as raising awareness about the challenges faced by deserving women. She highlighted that the BISP was working to economically empower women in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Ms Khalid underscored the significance of the Benazir Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif and Nashonuma programmes in improving lives of impoverished households.

Senator Khalid also announced the launch of the Benazir Skills Training Programme, which aimed to teach various skills to deserving women and their children according to local and international standards. She noted the high global demand for skilled labour and revealed that currently, 9.3 million families benefit from the Kafaalat programme.

The number of eligible families and the stipends provided under Kafaalat are being increased, she said, addng thaton the special instructions of the president and prime minister, a new banking model had been introduced to ensure funds were distributed to deserving women in a dignified and transparent manner.

The BISP chief said mobile registration vans were being used to facilitate the registration of eligible individuals in remote areas of the country.

Senator Khalid also visited BISP Zonal Office in Skardu.

During her visit, she interacted with deserving women, heard their concerns and instructed BISP staff to address their issues promptly.

The women welcomed Senator Khalid and expressed their gratitude for her commitment to resolving their problems. She also participated in a tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling at the BISP Skardu office.

She toured the office and met with BISP employees. BISP Director for the Central Zone, Gilgit, Haider Murtaza, and Director for the Skardu Zone, Wazir Asrar Haider briefed her on BISP’s operations in the region.

Additionally, Senator Khalid visited the Dynamic Registry Centre established at the Skardu office.

There, she addressed the women who had come for registration, clarifying that there was no registration fee for the BISP. She emphasised that 8171 was the only official number used by BISP for communication, and any messages from other numbers were fraudulent. She advised contacting the BISP helpline at 0800-26477 to report any issues.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2024