Islamabad: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, attended a keynote event organized by UK International Development, Oxford Policy Management, and Sub-National Governance, focusing on Reforming Governance Post 18th Amendment. Senator Rubina Khalid was invited to chair the event’s third session, Strengthening Social Protection, aimed at discussing the achievements, recent reforms, and future direction of social protection in Pakistan. In her address, Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted that, following NADRA, BISP has the largest database of eligible households in Pakistan, with 9.3 million families benefiting from the program.

According to Press Information Department, BISP has established dynamic registry centers at the tehsil level, enabling data entry through comprehensive surveys. Senator Rubina Khalid underscored the importance of provincial-level consultations, database sharing, and skill training to ensure effective social security measures for the welfare of disadvantaged segments across Pakistan. She stated, “Our aim is to improve the lives of deserving families, which is why we have introduced a new payment model to transparently distribute funds, ensuring recipients receive their dues with dignity.”

During the panel discussion, the CEO of the Punjab Social Protection Authority, Johanna Knoess from GIZ, and Maheen Zahra, Senior Consultant on Poverty and Social Protection at OPM, shared insights and recommendations on enhancing social protection measures. Senator Rubina Khalid expressed her appreciation for the panel’s suggestions and responded to participants’ questions.