ISLAMABAD, November 3, 2026 — The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and German Development Cooperation have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s social protection system, with a renewed focus on developing adaptive mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters, economic shocks and emerging risks.
A high-level German delegation comprising representatives from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Embassy, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and KfW Development Bank visited BISP’s One Window Centre in Islamabad to review the programme’s progress and assess the impact of Pakistan-Germany cooperation in expanding social protection services.
Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP, welcomed the delegation. Dr. Asim Ijaz, Director General (NSER), and Muhammad Idrees Mian, Director General (CT), were also present.
During the visit, BISP highlighted the growing importance of adaptive social protection in helping vulnerable households prepare for, withstand and recover from economic and climate-related shocks. With Pakistan increasingly exposed to floods, extreme weather events and other climate risks, strengthening social protection institutions has become a key development priority.
Under Pakistan-Germany cooperation, BISP has established 647 Dynamic Registry Centres and deployed 32 Mobile Registration Vehicles. These facilities have supported the registration and updating of information for 38.7 million people, significantly expanding access to social protection services across the country.
BISP leadership emphasised that social protection must extend beyond poverty alleviation and financial assistance to become an effective mechanism for building resilience against climate change, natural disasters and economic uncertainties. The programme also highlighted the importance of continued international collaboration, institutional capacity building and coordination between federal and provincial governments.
The German delegation acknowledged the progress achieved through bilateral cooperation, particularly in expanding access to social protection and strengthening institutional capacity. It reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in developing an inclusive, responsive and sustainable social protection system with stronger links to climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
The discussions also covered the SOPRAN Project and its key components, including Disbursement and Registration Centres (DRCs), Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs), Digital Financial Literacy Training (DFLT), institutional capacity building and upcoming shock-responsive initiatives.
BISP officials also briefed the delegation on the programme’s various initiatives and interventions. An interactive session with beneficiaries provided th
