Rubina Khalid, Chairman of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has declared an increase in the quarterly payments under the Benazir Kafaalat programme, providing essential financial relief to marginalized families. The payment will be augmented by Rs 3,000, elevating the total to Rs 13,500 per quarter, up from the earlier Rs 10,500.
Initiated in 2008, the BISP Kafaalat programme stands as the most extensive cash transfer initiative in Pakistan’s history, aimed at supporting vulnerable households. In the short term, it is designed to shield disadvantaged groups from the negative effects of inflation, escalating food prices, and sluggish economic growth. In the long term, the initiative seeks to eradicate extreme poverty and empower women, which aligns with Pakistan’s commitments to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The government supports over 9.3 million families nationwide and plans to increase this assistance to 10 million families by the following year.
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From January 2025, every registered family under the Benazir Kafaalat programme will be granted Rs 13,500 every quarter, demonstrating the government’s dedication to providing relief amidst persistent inflation.
To facilitate easier access to funds, the government has broadened the spectrum of banks from which beneficiaries can withdraw their support. Initially restricted to Habib Bank Limited (HBL), which often led to prolonged waiting periods, eligible families can now receive their quarterly payments from an expanded list of banks, including Bank Al Falah, Bank of Punjab, Mobilink Microfinance (JazzCash), Telenor Microfinance Bank, Habib Bank Limited, and HBL Microfinance.
