Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched 10 million digital wallets for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries, calling it a historic step towards transparency, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and Pakistan’s transition to a cashless economy.
A Landmark Step for Transparency and Empowerment
Inaugurating the initiative with a symbolic palm touch, the prime minister was joined by federal ministers, BISP officials, and international partners, including GIZ. He congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, the BISP team, and partner institutions, terming the decision a safeguard for genuine recipients against exploitation.
“The digital wallet system is, in its true sense, blessed by the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as it empowers beneficiaries with safe, transparent, and direct financial access,” PM Shehbaz said. He stressed that BISP is not just welfare but a key tool for poverty reduction, job creation, and social empowerment.
Push Towards a Cashless Economy
Calling the launch “a great leap towards a cashless economy,” the prime minister noted that 78 per cent of the Ramazan relief package was successfully disbursed digitally despite resistance from vested interests.
He emphasised that cashless transactions save time, curb corruption, and bring efficiency, adding that digitisation of government, business, and individual transactions was now a pressing requirement. PM Shehbaz revealed that he personally chaired multiple meetings on digital reforms to overcome reluctance and accelerate progress.
Linking BISP Support to Education and Health
The premier urged BISP to integrate conditionalities for education and healthcare into the programme. Families receiving assistance, he said, should ensure their children attend school, while health initiatives must also be tied to support. He further directed that the existing eight to ten-month implementation cycle be shortened to just four months.
System Safeguards and SIM Distribution
BISP Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed briefed that digital wallets will be linked with beneficiaries’ CNICs and secured by biometric verification to prevent identity theft. In addition, 10 million free SIM cards will be distributed nationwide, with the first phase already underway in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Women’s Empowerment and Digital Literacy
Senator Rubina Khalid hailed the launch as a historic milestone in Pakistan’s social protection journey. She said linking benefits to women’s CNICs not only provides financial assistance but also formal recognition in the national database. She added that digital literacy programmes will be introduced to help women beneficiaries use the new system effectively.
She reaffirmed that BISP continues Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s vision for women’s empowerment, carried forward by President Asif Ali Zardari and strengthened further under Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership.
Cashless Economy Reforms Expanding Nationwide
The launch follows PM Shehbaz’s recent directives to provincial administrations to cooperate in expanding the Raast digital payment system to the district level. Officials confirmed that Pakistan is building digital public infrastructure integrating CNICs, biometrics, and mobile numbers to ensure secure transactions. Federal agencies have also cleared rights of way for fibre connectivity, while discussions with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority are underway to strengthen digital infrastructure.
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