ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to include unmarried women aged 35 and above in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), expanding the scope of the country’s flagship social protection initiative.
According to reports, the decision was discussed during a meeting of a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where lawmakers raised concerns about gaps in coverage for vulnerable groups.
Bilal Mandokhail, a committee member, said unmarried women weren’t covered by BISP before. He argued these women often struggle because they don’t have much family support.
After hearing his concerns, BISP officials confirmed that unmarried women over 35 would join the program.
This is seen as a big step towards making Pakistan’s safety net stronger, especially for women with financial troubles and limited job chances.
Both officials and analysts think the move will help provide more support to an often neglected group in welfare systems.
Under the revised policy, eligible unmarried women will be able to receive financial assistance through BISP to help meet essential living expenses.
BISP beneficiaries may get Rs 20K monthly support
Moreover, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed an increase in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) monthly payouts from Rs 14,500 to Rs 20,000, according to government sources.
The officials informed that the government is currently in talks with the IMF team regarding the BISP, giving them briefings about all the activities of the BISP, which include family registration, quarterly payments, and funding needs for the coming fiscal year.
The IMF’s recommendation is part of a broader review of Pakistan’s social protection system. BISP authorities have shared comprehensive data on program beneficiaries, including registered families under the cash support scheme.
The sources further mentioned that there are four meetings planned for the day between the IMF team and the concerned departments, including one meeting with the BISP and three with the FBR officials.
In addition to that the IMF has also asked the government to scrap all exemptions from sales taxes.
