ISLAMABAD, July 30, 2026: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has warned that it may initiate legal proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against individuals spreading what it described as baseless allegations or using the welfare programme for political point-scoring.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, a BISP spokesperson said attempts to damage the programme’s reputation for personal or political interests were condemnable and could undermine assistance provided to millions of low-income women and families across Pakistan.
The statement did not identify any individual, political party or specific allegation that prompted the warning.
BISP Defends Transparency and Accountability
The spokesperson described BISP as Pakistan’s largest social protection programme and said it was widely recognised for transparent operations, timely financial assistance and efficient service delivery.
According to the statement, the programme’s financial and administrative affairs are subject to regular audits, monitoring mechanisms and oversight by international development partners.
BISP said these safeguards were intended to maintain accountability and strengthen public confidence in the programme’s systems.
Programme Urges Stakeholders to Avoid Political Use
BISP called on political and social stakeholders, as well as the media, to discourage attempts to use the programme for political purposes.
The spokesperson said unsupported accusations against the programme could affect an institution serving millions of deserving women and families.
BISP added that protecting the credibility of national institutions was a collective responsibility and that beneficiaries should continue receiving financial support with dignity and without disruption.
Government Leadership Backs BISP, Spokesperson Says
The statement said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had full confidence in BISP’s service-delivery and payment mechanisms.
BISP cited the use of its beneficiary database and support network during Ramadan relief initiatives, the COVID-19 emergency and flood relief operations as evidence of the government’s reliance on the programme.
The spokesperson said BISP would continue operating under established transparency and accountability standards while reserving the right to take legal action where applicable under PECA.
Also Read: BISP Payments Suspended Across Shangla Due to Biometric SIM Shortage
Today's E-Paper