The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is launching a massive digital overhaul to issue 10 million digital SIMs and open an equal number of digital accounts for women, a move designed to eliminate fraud and dismantle mafias exploiting the system, the organisation’s chairperson announced.
According to a report today, the major initiative was detailed by BISP Chairperson and Senator Rubina Khalid during a visit to the programme’s office located at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office, where she was received by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad.
Speaking at the KMC building, Senator Khalid described the BISP as the nation’s largest social protection network and a shining example of transparency and service. She affirmed that the shift towards a modern digital system, including the introduction of a digital wallet, represents a significant milestone in the programme”s 17-year history.
“The transfer of funds through digital SIMs and digital wallets will help eliminate fraud and mafias, and action is also being taken against those involved in such practices,” the chairperson explained. She added that the move fulfils the vision of the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to empower every woman.
Senator Khalid noted that the introduction of approximately one crore digital accounts and SIMs for women is a world-first and a matter of pride for the government. She stressed that this reform ensures transparency and the dignified disbursement of payments, in line with directives from President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The chairperson also informed that the President launched the Benazir Hunarmand Programme on 21 June 2025, an initiative aimed at making citizens economically skilled and self-reliant in addition to providing financial assistance.
During the visit, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad pledged KMC’s complete cooperation to strengthen the partnership with BISP. He stated the collaboration is vital for resolving public issues and ensuring federal welfare schemes are implemented more effectively across Karachi.