Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety convened its 18th meeting to discuss the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and the role of the Trust for Voluntary Organization (TVO) in poverty alleviation efforts. The Committee emphasized the need to maintain BISP’s focus on its core objectives and praised TVO’s strategic contributions to sustainable development.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the meeting, chaired by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, addressed key issues related to BISP, including the deferment of recommendations from previous meetings at the request of the BISP Chairperson. The Committee highlighted the need for BISP to clarify its role and ensure partner banks fulfill their contractual obligations. The Committee also recommended against diverting BISP funds to public sector development programs, stressing the importance of preserving the social safety net for underprivileged citizens.
The Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety commended the Committee’s oversight and outlined plans for a National Poverty Alleviation Framework. This framework aims to improve resource utilization during crises. The Committee also called for action against banks violating contracts and requested BISP to provide agreements for review. Additionally, the Minister clarified the source of disbursements and proposed relaxing criteria to expand beneficiary outreach.
During the meeting, the Committee reviewed TVO’s operations, noting its success in executing projects across rural Pakistan. The TVO, funded by an endowment from the Pakistan-USA Special Development Fund, has shifted focus to climate-resilient interventions and sustainable livelihoods. The Committee recommended the government ensure TVO’s continued operation, recognizing its role in poverty alleviation.
The meeting saw attendance from several National Assembly members and senior officials, including representatives from BISP and TVO. The Committee resolved to establish a sub-committee for legislative amendments to support BISP’s strategic direction.