Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, addressed a press conference at the BISP Headquarters in Islamabad, focusing on the programme’s achievements and dismissing criticism directed at it.
Senator Rubina Khalid said that today, instead of discussing politics, she wants to speak about the Benazir Income Support Programme. Statements are being made against BISP, and this programme must not be treated with contempt. The Benazir Income Support Programme supports ten million families which is approximately sixty million people. For the wealthy, the stipend may seem insignificant, but for the poor, it is invaluable, she said.
She emphasized that BISP reflects the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto whose dream was that the poor should live with dignity in this country. The Pakistan Peoples Party has always respected institutions and appreciated their service.
Senator Rubina Khalid reiterated that PPP has consistently promoted institutional dignity and constructive engagement. She said that we are supporting one crore families through BISP, and with an average of six members per family, sixty million people are benefiting. Work on the Benazir Skills Programme has also begun at a rapid pace.
She highlighted the major BISP initiatives, including Kafalat, Nashonuma, Education Stipends, and the Skills Programme. She said that a healthy mother lays the foundation for a healthy society. Under the Nashonuma Programme, 3.6 million mothers are being provided protection and essential support. Only one percent of programme funds go toward administrative costs and the rest is spent directly on beneficiaries.
Senator Rubina Khalid said that national indicators show marked improvement. There has been a 3.6% reduction in child stunting across the country. An independent evaluation by the Aga Khan study confirmed that stunting which is our greatest concern has decreased by 6.4%. Among children up to 20 months old, stunting has dropped by 20%. If this issue is not addressed in the first two years, recovery becomes impossible. Under the Kifalat Programme, 17 million children have been registered.”
Senator Rubina Khalid also spoke about progress in education under BISP. The education stipends programme began in 2012. BISP has invested 216 billion rupees in childrens’ education. Under this initiative, more than 500 students have achieved A grades in their matriculation exams. The results of the programme are now visible. This year, 503 students across the country secured first division in matric and achieved top board positions. Students enrolled in the programme have excelled nationwide.”
She added that participation is inclusive. In Balochistan alone, participation reaches up to 60%. Under the education stipends programme, 17 million children are attending school.
Senator Rubina Khalid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening BISP’s impact and continuing the vision of social protection and dignity for underprivileged communities.
Under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, students across the country are being empowered to become self-reliant through skill development and vocational training. The government urges all ministers, public representatives, and stakeholders to extend their full support to this transformative initiative.
Chairperson BISP said this program has received recognition and support at the international level. All provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, are utilizing this platform for data and training-related purposes. More than just a development project, the Benazir Hunarmand Program represents a national commitment to sustainable prosperity and economic empowerment.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that the initiative is a federal institution, functioning under the leadership of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, and not under provincial control.
She further highlighted that the program can play a vital role in disaster relief efforts. By providing direct cash assistance to flood-affected communities through this platform, immediate and effective relief can be ensured. She added that citizens in disaster-hit areas look towards the government for timely support and simply distributing ration is not enough to address their long-term challenges.