ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched 1 crore digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling it a big step towards financial inclusion, transparency, and empowerment. The new system will give people direct digital access to their financial assistance without delays or middlemen.
With this move, the government aims to pave the way for a modern, cashless economy while strengthening social welfare. The initiative especially focuses on helping women-led households, lifting families out of poverty, and empowering marginalized communities.
At the launch ceremony, attended by federal ministers, BISP officials, and international partners, including GIZ, PM Shehbaz praised the BISP team for ensuring aid reaches the right people. He called the digital wallet system a “landmark decision” inspired by the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
“This is not just about giving financial aid—it’s about empowering millions with safe and direct access,” the Prime Minister said. He added that digital payments reduce corruption, save time, and speed up progress. He also pointed out that the government delivered 78% of relief packages digitally during Ramazan, proving the system’s success despite initial doubts.
PM Shehbaz urged that BISP support should also be linked with education and health programs, ensuring children go to school and families get medical care. He also directed authorities to shorten the rollout time of the program from the current 8–10 months to just 4 months.
Under this initiative, the government will create 1 crore biometric-verified digital wallets, link them to beneficiaries’ CNICs, and provide free SIM cards. The rollout will start in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid called it a “historic milestone”, especially for women’s empowerment. She said digital literacy training will also be provided to help beneficiaries who are new to technology.
“This continues Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s vision for women’s empowerment—a dream carried forward by President Asif Ali Zardari and now taken further under PM Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership,” she added.
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