LAHORE: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has rolled out a digital wallet payment system, with 90pc of the women beneficiaries already registered, to ensure financial assistance is disbursed transparently, conveniently and securely.

Speaking to the media during her visit to the BISP Central Zonal Office in Lahore, programme Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid stated that the initiative follows special directives from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

BISP Punjab Director General Naseer-ud-Din Sarwar briefed the chairperson on operational matters, noting that under the new interoperability system, beneficiaries will be able to withdraw their funds at any time from authorised agents of six partner banks across Pakistan, using their CNIC and registered mobile number.

Ms Khalid clarified that digital wallet activation on the SIMs provided to the beneficiaries is completely free, and that the BISP staff will handle activation, while there is no charge for any BISP scheme, though a standard Rs280 service charge applies to each cash withdrawal.

She advised the beneficiaries to keep their mobile phones and SIMs secure, noting that funds can safely remain in digital wallets without requiring immediate withdrawal.

Reaffirming the BISP’s commitment to dignity, self-reliance and zero-tolerance for corruption, she highlighted a World Bank research showing that every rupee distributed through BISP generates approximately Rs2.34 in local economic activity.

She said that to protect the beneficiaries against any fraud, BISP is collaborating with the Ministry of Information Technology and reminded the public that 8171 is the programme’s only official communication number.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2026