INTRODUCTION
Growing up in Pakistan, I saw how economic hardships affect poor families, especially women. That’s why I’ve always admired the Benazir Kafaalat program, which was initiated in 2008. This core UCT (Unconditional Cash Transfers) initiative by BISP marked a major turning point in the history of social welfare in the country.
At its inception, the objective was to cushion people against the negative effects of slow economic growth, food crisis, and rising inflation. By providing direct cash assistance to eligible beneficiaries, the program became a reliable support system. The aim was immediate relief but the objectives were more ambitious — to eradicate extreme and chronic poverty and support women empowerment, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Further Information
At the beginning of the New Year 2025, the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, made a major announcement that directly benefits deserving women across Pakistan. Drawing on my personal engagement with the program as a field volunteer, I’ve seen how vital such changes can be.
Starting from January, the amount of the Benazir Kafalat quarterly installment was increased from Rupees 10,500 to Rupees 13,500, which brought genuine relief to many households I work with. This step is part of a broader mission to uplift struggling women and improve their access to basic needs through consistent Support under the Program.
The official ceremony to announce this development took place at the BISP Head Office and was a moment of pride and celebration. I recall seeing the shared joy as the Chairperson, Senator Rubina Khalid, stood alongside Secretary Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Tahir Noor, and other staff members to mark the occasion. They celebrated the progress by cutting a cake, symbolizing a fresh start for 2025.
It wasn’t just a formal event — it was a strong message that the leadership remains committed to the goals of BISP, ensuring that the Benazir Kafalat remains not only a financial aid system but a symbol of hope for countless women in Pakistan.
CONTACTING BISP
S. No. |
NAME |
DESIGNATION |
EXT. NO. |
TELEPHONE/ FAX NO. |
|
CHAIRPERSON OFFICE |
|||||
1 |
Ms. Rubina Khalid | Chairperson BISP |
|
|
|
2 |
Mehran Atta
|
Deputy Director (OPS), Office of the Chairperson |
103 |
0519246316 |
dd.cp@bisp.gov.pk |
3 | Asad Iqbal | Assistant Director (OPS), Office of the Chairperson | 110 | ||
4 |
Muhammad Mukhtar | PS to Chairperson |
124 |
051-9246313 051-9246314 |
|
SECRETARY OFFICE |
|||||
1 |
Mr. Amer Ali Ahmad | Secretary BISP |
102 |
051-9246318 |
secretary@bisp.gov.pk |
2 |
Muhammad Tariq | SO to Secretary |
111 |
051-9246303 |
tariqawanps@gmail.com |
3 |
Muhammad Safeer | APS to Secretary |
104 |
051-9246318 |
|
ADDITIONAL SECRETARY |
|||||
1 |
Dr. Asmat Nawaz | Addl. Secretary BISP |
125 |
|
|
2 |
Hasnain Haider | APS to Addl. Secretary |
126 |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR BENAZIR KAFAALAT PROGRAM
Understanding the Selection Process
When I worked on community outreach in remote areas, I saw how important it is to understand how Beneficiaries of the Benazir Kafaalat Program are identified and selected. The process is based on a scientific mode known as the Proxy Means Test (PMT), which uses data collected through the National Socio Economic Registry (NSER) survey. Each household’s welfare status is determined on a scale from 0–100, helping decide the level of need. The PMT score plays a key role in defining eligibility, and it’s not randomly picked — it is carefully decided by the BISP Board after reviewing the available fiscal space. This ensures that only truly needy families receive support.
🎯 Key Features
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Monthly or quarterly cash assistance directly transferred to beneficiaries via secure payment methods.
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The current stipend (as of 2025) is Rs. 13,500 per quarter (earlier Rs. 10,500).
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Over 9 million families are currently receiving support under this program.
🗓️ Recent Updates (2025)
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On the occasion of New Year 2025, Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid announced the increase in the quarterly installment.
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A ceremony was held at the BISP Head Office to mark this important development.
📝 Registration & Application
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NSER Dynamic Survey is ongoing for new registrations.
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Women from low-income families can visit nearest BISP Tehsil Office with CNIC to check eligibility.
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SMS service available via 8171 to check registration and payment status.
💡 Why Choose BISP Kafalat Program?
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Focused on transparent and fair distribution of financial aid.
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Provides a safety net for vulnerable women.
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Helps families deal with inflation, food insecurity, and economic crises.
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Plays a vital role in promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
🏦 Payment Method
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Cash is delivered through designated banks, ATMs, and branchless banking agents.
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Beneficiaries receive payments via Jazz Cash, HBL or Bank Alfalah networks.
🔐 Security Measures
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Biometric verification ensures authentic identity and avoids fraud.
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Regular audits and transparency mechanisms to maintain public trust.
🌍 Impact on Society
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Empowered millions of women heads of households to manage daily expenses.
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Helped reduce child labor, improve nutrition, and increase school attendance in low-income communities.
Strengthened trust between citizens and government in social welfare delivery.
📞 Helpline & Support
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BISP Helpline: 0800-26477
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SMS your CNIC number to 8171 for eligibility and payment info
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Visit: bispgov.com
CONCLUSION
The Benazir Kafalat Program is a great step by the government to help poor and deserving women in Pakistan. It gives cash support to families who are facing tough times due to inflation, low income, or other financial problems. The program is now even more helpful, as the quarterly payment has been increased to Rupees 13,500 in 2025. This money helps women buy food, pay for school fees, and take care of their families with dignity.
What makes this program special is that the selection process is fair and based on proper surveys through NSER and the PMT score system. I have seen many women in my community feel more confident and strong because of this support. They don’t have to borrow money anymore, and they can plan better for their children’s future.
In simple words, the BISP Kafalat Program is not just about giving money ; it is about giving hope, respect, and independence to women who need it the most. It’s a program that truly changes lives, one family at a time, and brings us closer to a better and fairer Pakistan.