ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid has reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to poverty eradication and women’s empowerment, stressing that sustainable poverty reduction requires more than financial assistance.
On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Senator Rubina Khalid said access to education, improved nutrition and skills development opportunities are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the future of vulnerable families.
She said more than 10 million beneficiary women receive quarterly financial assistance through the Benazir Kafaalat programme. According to her, the introduction of Digital Wallets is making the payment system more transparent, secure and convenient for beneficiaries.
Senator Rubina Khalid further stated that more than 12 million children have been enrolled under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme, which supports children’s continued education and aims to help families break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
She said more than 3.3 million women and children have also benefited from the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.
According to an Aga Khan University midline study cited by the BISP chairperson, the Nashonuma Programme has contributed to a 20 percent reduction in stunting among children aged six months.
Senator Rubina Khalid also highlighted the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, which provides technical and vocational training to beneficiary women and their family members to help them access better employment opportunities.
She also cited World Bank research showing that every rupee spent under BISP generates an additional Rs2.34 in the local economy, highlighting the broader economic impact of the programme’s social protection initiatives.
The BISP chairperson reiterated that the programme would continue working to reduce poverty and improve the prospects of families through a combination of financial assistance, education, nutrition and skills development.