Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, while addressing a press conference, said that the recent floods are among the worst in the country’s history, and this is a time for unity, not political point scoring.
She strongly condemned a political leader’s remarks calling BISP a fraud, terming it an insult to 10 million deserving families who benefit from the program. “BISP is not linked to any political party, it is purely for the poor and deserving. Such statements are inappropriate and an apology should be made to the people,” she said.
Highlighting the program’s record, she recalled that during the 2022 floods, Rs. 70 billion was distributed to 2.8 million affected families, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, relief was also provided through the BISP database. This year, BISP successfully executed the Prime Minister’s Ramzan Relief Package, reaching 4 million families.
Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that the program is transparent, regularly audited, and monitored by international organizations. “This program is not politics, it is survival and dignity for the poor,” she said, adding that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded that assistance to flood victims be routed only through BISP, as it is the most effective mechanism for immediate relief.
She also highlighted ongoing initiatives under BISP, including Benazir Educational Scholarships, which recently helped over 400 students achieve A-plus results, the Benazir Development Program improving child health and reducing stunting, and the Benazir Hunarmand Program empowering youth with skills. Work is also underway to digitalize payments for greater transparency.
Concluding, Senator Rubina Khalid said: “The Benazir Income Support Program is a hope for millions of families in Pakistan, and this journey of service will continue.”
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