ISLAMABAD:Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri has said the budget of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has been increased from Rs235 to Rs400 billion. Addressing a news conference along with Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi here in Islamabad on Friday, she said nine million families are part of Kafalat program. She said stipend under BISP has been increased from 7000 to 8750 rupees.

Shazia Marri said seventy billion rupees were disbursed among 2.8 million flood affected families of the country. She said due to imprudent policies of PTI government, poor and middle class people are suffering from the price hike. She said families availing Benazir Taleemi Wazaif have increased from 2.6 million to 7.1 million. She said Benazir Nashonuma has also expanded all across Pakistan and 474 facilitation centers have been set up across Pakistan in this regard.

Shazia Marri said transgender community is facing social economic challenges. She said transgenders have also been included in BISP program. She asked them to get themselves registered at tehsil offices of BISP. Commenting on prevailing political situation in the country, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi said Pakistan People’s Party believes in dialogue for a way forward. He said constitution of Pakistan is supreme and it should be followed. He said PPP has formed a special committee for dialogue consisting of three members. He expressed hope that opposition would come forward for table talks.