Last Updated on: 25th October 2024, 09:25 pm
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is Pakistan’s largest social safety net, launched in 2008 to support and empower women. Originally launched by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the BISP is more than a social protection initiative; it also paves the way for women’s economic empowerment.
The National Socioeconomic Registry (NSER) survey, a essential component of the program, registers women and their children through the BISP. The Sindh government has reduced birth registration fees as a supportive measure, with other provinces expected to adopt similar measures.
Study Visit of 21-member Ugandan Delegation
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid welcomed a 21-member high-level Ugandan delegation to the BISP headquarters on Wednesday. Led by Ms. Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, the Secretary of Public Services of Uganda, the delegation is on a four-day visit to learn about the BISP approach. The team is keen to learn more about the national socioeconomic registry of the program, which helps in properly identifying needy people and providing them with timely assistance.
BISP’s Extensive Support
Senator Rubina Khalid mentioned BISP’s robust and widely recognized database and the recent launch of a poverty graduation initiative. This new initiative will improve beneficiaries’ economic situations and expand the program to more families. She also spoke about the importance of partnerships between the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan to sustain support for more than 9 million families.
BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad spoke about the recent launch of a new banking system that makes the distribution of payments to women more transparent and dignified, as well as BISP’s continued commitment to quality services to beneficiaries.
Delegation from Uganda Appreciated the BISP Program
Ms. Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, Head of the Ugandan delegation, praised BISP as a model program for supporting low-income families. She was particularly interested in the targeting methods, digital payment systems, and partnerships that she hopes can inspire Uganda’s own social programs. BISP Additional Secretary Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor appreciated BISP’s success for its evidence-based targeting methods and strong international partnerships.
Ms. Coco Ushiyama of the World Food Program also praised BISP’s data-driven approach, which has proven valuable in supporting communities during natural disasters.