KARACHI, Jan 12, 2026: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme, Rubina Khalid, visited Lyari on Monday, where she met community leaders and residents at Baloch Hall and announced a series of initiatives aimed at improving transparency, dignity and access for women beneficiaries.
During the visit, the BISP chairperson held meetings with local representatives, including Yousaf Baloch, Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed and MPA Shazia Karim Singhar, along with other community figures. She was warmly welcomed by residents and party workers.
Addressing a gathering, Rubina Khalid said the government has introduced a secure and transparent payment mechanism under BISP, called Social Protection Wallets, to ensure women receive financial assistance directly and with dignity. As part of the initiative, free SIM cards are being provided to registered women beneficiaries to facilitate direct transfers.
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She clarified that SIM cards will only be issued through BISP offices or officially designated government camp sites, and beneficiaries must bring their own mobile phones. She urged women to report immediately if anyone demands money in exchange for services.
Recalling the legacy of Benazir Bhutto, the BISP chairperson encouraged women to stand firm against exploitation and reject unlawful demands with confidence.
Mobile registration, skills training and stipend increase
Rubina Khalid advised women to ensure their documentation is complete at the time of registration. She said mobile registration vans have been deployed across different localities to reduce the need for beneficiaries to travel long distances.
She also announced the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, which will provide vocational skills training to women, their spouses or children. The initiative aims to promote self-reliance and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Quoting Benazir Bhutto, she said skills are a lasting asset that help reduce unemployment and dependency.
The chairperson said that, on the directives of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur, BISP remains committed to ensuring women receive their full entitlement with transparency and respect. She announced that the quarterly BISP installment, currently Rs13,500, will soon be increased to Rs14,500.
She added that under the education stipend programme, children from primary to grade 12 are receiving financial assistance, while additional initiatives are in place to support the health and nutrition of pregnant women and children up to the age of two.
Warning against fraud and fake messages
Rubina Khalid cautioned beneficiaries that official messages from BISP are issued only through 8171, urging them to ignore communications from any other number. She advised women to promptly report cases of fraud, fake messages or illegal demands.
Concluding her address, the BISP chairperson said women are increasingly aware of their rights and should not fall victim to misinformation. She added that unnecessary filters introduced in previous years, which had excluded deserving families, have now been removed to expand access to social protection.
