Pakistan's Benazir Income Support Programme has launched a new digital payment arrangement allowing eligible women beneficiaries to receive financial assistance through any of six participating banks and financial institutions.
The first instalment payments under the new system have begun. According to reports published on November 13, the participating institutions are Habib Bank Limited, HBL Microfinance Bank, Easypaisa, JazzCash, Bank Alfalah and the Bank of Punjab.
The new arrangement is designed to give beneficiaries greater flexibility by allowing them to choose among participating payment channels rather than depending on a single financial institution. The programme says the system aims to improve transparency, reduce long queues and prevent unauthorised deductions.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid met State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad to discuss the implementation of the payment mechanism and its future development. She acknowledged the central bank's support in establishing the digital banking arrangement.
The programme says the initiative is also intended to strengthen financial inclusion and make the delivery of assistance more convenient and dignified for women. Its effectiveness will depend on how consistently the system operates across urban centres and remote areas.
Beneficiaries should verify payment instructions through official BISP channels before visiting a payment point and should not pay unauthorised individuals to access their assistance.
