PESHAWAR — Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Rubina Khalid, on Wednesday inaugurated the Benazir Nashonuma Facilitation Center at Maulvi Amir Shah Memorial Hospital to provide health and nutrition services to low-income women and children.
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF were present at the ceremony.
The chairperson reviewed services being delivered at the facility and received a detailed briefing from staff on various programme components. She also interacted with women and children receiving support and inquired about the quality of healthcare and nutritional assistance.
Expansion of Nashonuma centres in KP
Speaking to the media, Rubina Khalid said more than 160 Benazir Nashonuma centres have been established across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with support from the World Food Programme, including 10 centres operating in Peshawar.
She noted that stunted growth remains a major public health issue in Pakistan and is being addressed through targeted interventions under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. According to her, over 4.3 million women and children nationwide are benefiting from the initiative.
She stressed the need for regular training workshops for doctors and Lady Health Workers to ensure early diagnosis and timely referral of patients to Nashonuma facilities.
Increase in stipends and digital payments
The chairperson announced that, in view of Ramadan, BISP has extended special relief to beneficiaries. The quarterly stipend under the Benazir Kafalat Programme has been increased by Rs1,000, raising the payment from Rs13,500 to Rs14,500. Stipends under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme and Benazir Taleemi Wazaif have also been increased by Rs500.
She said a Digital Wallet system has been introduced on the directions of the President and Prime Minister to enhance transparency and enable women to receive payments securely and with dignity. She stated that financial inclusion of 10 million women is being ensured under the initiative.
Beneficiaries were advised to obtain free SIMs for Digital Wallets only from BISP offices or designated campsites.
Skills development and outreach
Rubina Khalid said the programme, named after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, aims to empower women socially and economically. She urged beneficiaries to report any unauthorized deduction of stipends for strict action.
She also announced that Mobile Registration Vans are being deployed in merged districts to facilitate enrollment in remote areas.
Highlighting the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, the chairperson said thousands of young people have been registered for skills training. Consultations are ongoing with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to connect trainees with accredited institutions to improve employment opportunities after completion of training.
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