The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has introduced Social Protection Wallets for one million enrolled beneficiaries, aiming to make cash assistance more transparent, secure, and user-friendly.
To support the shift to this new digital payment model, BISP has started distributing free mobile SIMs to eligible women across the country.
The initiative follows directions from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who instructed BISP to modernize its payment system. According to the organization, this rollout ranks among the world’s largest social protection efforts.
During the announcement, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid outlined how women can access the new service. She said beneficiaries must visit the nearest BISP office or designated camp with their original CNIC and an active mobile phone. After biometric verification, each woman will receive a free SIM, which will be used to activate her Social Protection Wallet.
Senator Khalid stressed that the SIM is entirely free, warning beneficiaries not to give money to anyone claiming otherwise. She noted that only BISP is authorized to activate these wallets, and beneficiaries should avoid seeking help from unverified individuals or agents.
She explained that the wallet will streamline and safeguard the distribution of assistance. Moving forward, all BISP payments and instalments will be transferred exclusively through this digital wallet, and all official notifications will be sent directly to the same SIM.
Calling the SIM a “digital wallet that carries your financial power,” the chairperson urged women to protect it as carefully as they would protect personal valuables.
BISP says the project marks a significant step toward improving financial independence and empowerment for deserving women in Pakistan. Beneficiaries have been advised to collect their free SIMs from BISP offices or assigned camps by December 31.
Karobar