Islamabad: A high-level delegation from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) visited the headquarters of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) today to explore BISP’s social protection and cash transfer initiatives. The visit aims to gather insights that could help implement similar programs in other countries to support vulnerable populations.

According to Press Information Department, the UNICEF team, comprising representatives from multiple countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, and Bangladesh, focused on understanding BISP’s operational strategies and its integration with other social protection efforts. The delegation was particularly interested in how BISP has empowered women and addressed poverty through its various initiatives.

During the visit, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid underscored the program’s role in realizing the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for women’s empowerment and social uplift in Pakistan. She also introduced the delegation to BISP’s upcoming poverty graduation program, which will focus on enhancing livelihoods through skill development, aiming to integrate beneficiaries more fully into the national economy.

The delegation also toured the BISP One-Window Center to review its operations and services, highlighting the robustness of BISP’s payment systems and the National Socio-Economic Registry, which are pivotal in the program’s success in reaching the most vulnerable sectors of society.