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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.

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Malaika Raza, General Secretary of the Human Rights Cell of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), today commented on the Gaza peace plan presented by President Donald Trump in relation to ongoing regional concerns. Acknowledging President Trump’s involvement in efforts toward de-escalation and ceasefire in regional tensions, the statement notes that the most recent plan raises questions about its practicality and balance.

The statement observes that the plan appears to be weighted toward terms favored by Israeli authorities and may not fully reflect the legitimate aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people. Of particular concern is the exclusion of Palestinian representatives, especially those from Gaza, from a summit addressing the region’s humanitarian crisis.

There is a call for transparency regarding the terms and conditions of the peace plan, including how it intends to address the Gaza crisis, which has included significant casualties, displacement, and a notable humanitarian burden. The Government’s intended role in any peace implementation should also be clarified.

It is urged that any engagement or Pakistan’s stance on these issues be discussed within Parliament and that broad political consultation take place. No single party should unilaterally determine Pakistan’s position on matters related to Palestine.

In accordance with international law, Palestine is recognised as an occupied territory, and any peace terms should be negotiated with full consultation and consent from Palestinian representatives. The PPP emphasises the importance of upholding these principles and ensuring that peace initiatives respect the sovereignty and rights of the Palestinian people.

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PPP Central Information Secretary, Nadeem Afzal Chan, accompanied by Member of the National Assembly Syed Agha Rafiullah, said in a press conference that Punjab belongs to everyone. “Our family has been in Punjab’s politics since 1926. The Pakistan Peoples Party was founded in Punjab, so don’t play the Punjabi card,” he said. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is our sister; we voted for her and elected her.

Nadeem Afzal Chan said that using ethnic politics over water and resources is the language of Modi. “Pakistan belongs to everyone, water, electricity, gold, and gas belong to all. Contribute to eradicating poverty; that is the real service. Right now, the need is the rehabilitation of the flood victims.”

He said that the PPP is united in the National Assembly and there is no division. Repeated questions were not answered; instead, blame games were started. When ministers behave this way, one can understand job pressure, but when leadership does it, that is unfair.

Report highlights the start of the crushing season. Our demand is that farmers’ wheat must not be held captive, Chan said. He said that in Punjab, only two or four bureaucrats are running the government. We want the government to be run through the people’s representatives and not the bureaucrats.

Nadeem Afzal Chan said that do not play the Punjab card and do not use Modi’s language who says that this is ‘our’ water. Such talk breaks provinces apart. Pakistan belongs to everyone. The gold of Balochistan and the ports of Sindh belong to all of us, and to all of Pakistan. We also contributed to the votes that elected the Punjab Chief Minister. You will have to answer; the PPP will fight the case of the people of Punjab.

He further said that the PML-N has an agreement with the PPP that you will hold elections for local government in Punjab. If you do not like the picture of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, at least provide relief to the flood victims without any further delay.