ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) today signed agreements with 1LINK and partner banks to operationalize an interoperable digital wallet payment system, enabling beneficiaries to access their stipends more conveniently across Pakistan.

The signing ceremony was held at BISP Headquarters in Islamabad and was chaired by Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid. The event was attended by senior representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan, 1LINK, Habib Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah, Bank of Punjab, HBL Microfinance Bank, Easypaisa, JazzCash, and the World Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid described the initiative as a transformative reform that places beneficiaries at the center of the payment system. She said the new arrangement will significantly improve the payment experience for millions of deserving women by providing greater convenience, accessibility, transparency, and choice.

The Chairperson said that, in line with the vision of the President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, to ensure dignified and hassle-free payments, BISP has successfully introduced a system that empowers beneficiaries to receive their financial assistance with dignity and ease.

Under the new interoperable payment mechanism, stipends will be credited directly into beneficiaries’ digital wallets. Women beneficiaries will then be able to withdraw their payments from the nearest retailer or agent of any participating bank across Pakistan, regardless of which bank issued the payment. The system will gradually become the primary channel for BISP disbursements nationwide.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026