ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, emphasised the program’s transformative role in empowering women and driving social development across Pakistan.
Addressing the media, she outlined key reforms, upcoming initiatives, and the government’s firm stance against corruption. Rubina Khalid credited the inception of BISP to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and praised President Asif Ali Zardari for implementing the initiative that has since become Pakistan’s flagship social protection program. “This is Bibi Shaheed’s vision, and the credit for its execution goes to President Asif Ali Zardari,” she said. Highlighting a core feature of the program, she said BISP uniquely designates women as heads of households, ensuring they are directly empowered financially—something that distinguishes it from other welfare schemes. “The money goes to women. This financial empowerment uplifts entire families and communities,” she added. Rubina Khalid announced the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand (SKILL) Program, focused on vocational training and skills development.
“There is a global demand for skilled professionals. In Germany alone, there is a need for 400,000 skilled workers annually, as skills can transform lives,” she noted. She said that the open-door policy of BISP has gained international attention, with representatives from other developing countries visiting Pakistan to learn from its model. In Balochistan, she said, a special allocation has been made for educational and development programs, along with the continuation of scholarships for students under BISP’s education initiatives. Rubina Khalid revealed that BISP is set to introduce a new banking model to replace the previous monopoly held by a single bank in 2019.
A pilot project will begin in July in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan. “Our goal is to ensure that every rupee reaches the deserving woman respectfully and transparently,” she said, adding that this directive comes directly from President Zardari. She reiterated the program’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, warning that any complaint of irregularity or malpractice will be met with strict action. “Corruption and irregularities will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” she said.
Currently, BISP is benefiting over 98 million people across Pakistan. Rubina Khalid stressed that the Pakistan People’s Party has never politicised the program. “We are committed to delivering support transparently. The aim is not politics—it is the well-being of the people,” she remarked.
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