Shangla — The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has introduced a new verification mechanism using facial recognition technology to address biometric issues faced by thousands of beneficiary women, particularly the elderly.
The initiative aims to resolve longstanding problems with thumbprint verification under the Biometric Verification System (BVS), which had prevented many eligible women from receiving financial assistance. Officials said the new system will improve accessibility and ensure timely delivery of funds.
Alternative verification through facial recognition
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid announced that women unable to verify their identity through fingerprints will now be able to complete the process using facial recognition in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
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She said the system has been introduced to support women whose fingerprints cannot be accurately verified due to age, manual labour or other factors.
Focus on elderly and vulnerable beneficiaries
According to officials, the initiative is designed to ensure that no eligible woman is deprived of financial support due to technical limitations in biometric systems. The move is expected to benefit elderly women and those facing repeated verification failures.
The new mechanism is likely to remove a key barrier that has affected access to financial assistance for a significant number of beneficiaries.
Mobile units to expand access
Authorities said NADRA’s mobile registration vans are being deployed across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas, to facilitate the verification process.
These mobile units will allow women to complete their identification closer to their homes, reducing travel difficulties and delays.
Improved access and transparency
Officials said the introduction of facial recognition is expected to streamline the disbursement process and improve transparency. Beneficiaries will be able to receive payments without repeated verification hurdles.
The development has been welcomed as a step toward making social welfare programmes more inclusive, particularly for women in rural areas such as Shangla.
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