Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, addressed the National Assembly, emphasizing the ministry’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations through various social protection initiatives. The government aims to improve transparency and service delivery within these programs.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister highlighted significant measures undertaken for Balochistan, including the increase of the PMT score eligibility threshold for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) from 32 to 60, thereby extending aid to more households in need. Seventeen out of BISP’s 25 mobile registration vans have been deployed in Balochistan, with over 1,000 Dynamic Registration Centres operational nationwide, including 160 in Balochistan.

The Minister reported that more than 100 of the 568 Nashonuma Facilitation Centres are situated in Balochistan. Under Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, scholarships are distributed through 73 educational institutions across the country, with 21 located in Balochistan.

Syed Imran Ahmed Shah announced the digitization of BISP and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, following Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s directives. Digital wallets will be utilized for financial assistance distribution, aiming to improve transparency and reduce complaints related to payments.

He mentioned the success of BISP’s Kafaalat, Educational Stipends, and Youth Programmes, noting that nearly 40,000 young individuals are undergoing training under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme. The Minister also clarified that the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) operates without direct government funding, thus not burdening the national budget.

The Minister noted that online services for Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s scholarship and medical assistance are now accessible, allowing easier application for students and patients nationwide. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to poverty reduction and social protection, with ongoing efforts to enhance digital systems for efficient service delivery.