Islamabad: Senator Rubina Khalid, the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), announced significant expansions and enhancements to the welfare scheme, which is projected to reach 10 million families by the end of the year. In a forthcoming adjustment, the quarterly Kafaalat installment will see an increase from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 13,500 starting January 2025. These announcements were made during her address to media representatives at the BISP zonal office in Gilgit.
According to Press Information Department, Senator Khalid expressed her gratitude towards Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for the increased financial allocation to BISP, which facilitated the upcoming raise in the Kafaalat installments. She detailed ongoing efforts in registering and re-certifying deserving families across the country through Dynamic Registration Centers, aimed at evaluating their socio-economic conditions for eligibility.
The Senator also introduced the Benazir Skill Training Program, set to launch soon, which will offer vocational training to deserving women and their families, ensuring adherence to local and international standards. This initiative aims to provide beneficiaries with employable skills, thereby improving their quality of life and economic independence. Additionally, the program will accommodate more families by making room for new participants.
Highlighting other facets of the program, Senator Khalid mentioned the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif and Benazir Nashonuma initiatives. The former provides educational scholarships to children from registered families, requiring a 70% school attendance rate, with a preferential financial allocation for girls. The latter offers financial aid and nutritional support to pregnant and lactating mothers and children up to two years old to help reduce stunting.
Earlier in her visit, Senator Khalid interacted with several women beneficiaries, addressing their concerns and ensuring that BISP staff resolve any issues efficiently. She also participated in a tree-planting drive at the BISP Gilgit office, reinforcing the program’s commitment to community and environmental well-being.