Senator Rubina Khalid Visits BISP Office at KMC Building

By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Senator Rubina Khalid visited the BISP office established at the head office of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), where she was warmly received by Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad said that cooperation between BISP and KMC would be further strengthened to ensure more effective implementation of federal welfare programmes in Karachi. He stated that close coordination between the two institutions would play an important role in resolving public issues, adding that KMC would extend all possible support in this regard.

During the visit, Senator Rubina Khalid, along with concerned officials, reviewed in detail the ongoing welfare initiatives being implemented at the BISP office at KMC.

Addressing the gathering, Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid said that the Benazir Income Support Programme has emerged as a strong support system for poor and deserving segments of society and stands as a shining example of transparency and public service. She said BISP has become the country’s largest social protection network, with continuous reforms being introduced to further enhance transparency, while dignified assistance to beneficiaries remains the hallmark of the programme.

She informed that under BISP, one crore (10 million) digital SIMs are being issued and one crore (10 million) digital accounts are being opened. She said this initiative reflects the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to empower women and make them aware of their rights, a vision that led to the launch of the programme in 2008. Senator Rubina Khalid added that the programme, initiated under the patronage of President Asif Ali Zardari, is now transitioning towards a modern digital system after 17 years, with the introduction of the digital wallet being a major milestone.

She further said that, in line with the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, complete transparency and dignified disbursement of financial assistance to beneficiaries are being ensured. The transfer of funds through digital SIMs and digital wallets, she noted, would help eliminate fraud and mafias, and strict action is being taken against those involved in such practices.

Senator Rubina Khalid said that the introduction of nearly 10 million digital accounts and digital SIMs for women is a unique initiative and a matter of pride for the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Government of Pakistan. She also informed that on June 21, 2025, the President of Pakistan launched the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, aimed at promoting skills development and self-reliance among beneficiaries in addition to providing financial assistance.