BISP chairperson demands apology over ‘beggar’ remarks

She announced that starting July 2026, all payments will be made through digital wallets to enhance transparency and empower women.

Senator Rubina Khalid, chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has demanded an apology after Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah described beneficiaries as “beggars” during a television interview.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Rubina said such remarks were an insult to millions of hardworking families who rely on the programme. “No one has the right to humiliate the poor. I request all those who have hurt the dignity of these families to apologise,” she said.

She stressed that BISP was not about dependency but about preventing poverty from forcing families into begging. “It is very easy for anyone to stand on a street and collect money. BISP ensures families do not have to stretch out their hands,” she explained.

Rubina highlighted that BISP is the world’s largest poverty alleviation programme, supporting over 10 million families. She noted that international organisations study the BISP model, and both the president and prime minister have expressed confidence in its operations. The programme has delivered the Prime Minister’s Ramazan Relief Package for two consecutive years through its digital payment system.

She announced that starting July 2026, all payments will be made through digital wallets to enhance transparency and empower women. More than eight million Benazir SIMs have already been distributed to female beneficiaries, and interoperability systems now allow withdrawals through multiple banks.

Rubina also pointed to BISP’s wider initiatives:

• Benazir Nashonuma Programme: Over 2.2 million women and children registered, contributing to a 22% reduction in stunting.
• Benazir Hunarmand Programme: Thousands of youth receiving vocational training.
• Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme: More than 12 million children supported in education, with hundreds achieving top grades.

She said BISP’s National Socio‑Economic Registry is widely used by provincial governments for welfare schemes, and the programme operates through 647 centres nationwide.

Rubina concluded by reaffirming BISP’s mission: “This programme does not make people beggars. It protects their dignity, balances their income, and empowers them. If anyone has suggestions for improvement, we welcome them. But no one should insult the families who depend on it.”