Support the i Love Layyah website. Click here to send videos, photos, and more info
Empowering Women and Fighting Poverty
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) stands as Pakistan’s only flagship initiative that has not only played a vital role in reducing poverty but also empowered women economically. This honor belongs solely to BISP, as it provides direct support to every deserving woman in a household. Through its various components like Benazir Kafalat, Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, and Benazir Nashonuma, the program fulfills the dream envisioned by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto during her exile. This dream was brought to life in 2008 by President Asif Ali Zardari and later made legally binding in 2010, laying the foundation of a strong institution.
Since its inception in 2008, BISP has grown significantly and is now counted among the world’s largest social protection programs.
Modern Payment System
BISP’s payment system has evolved over time—from post offices to smart cards, and now to a modern banking system involving six banks and 15 partner clusters. BISP is now piloting a new phase called BISP 2.0, which introduces digital wallets and freedom of choice for beneficiaries.
In the 2025–26 budget, the government has set aside PKR 700 billion for BISP. Out of this, PKR 561 billion will go to the Benazir Kafalat Program, helping 10 million deserving families across the country.
Support for Children and Mothers
Under the Benazir Nashonuma initiative, 1.8 million deserving women will receive financial assistance amounting to PKR 45.8 billion, along with nutritional supplements.
In addition, PKR 18.7 billion is dedicated to Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, which supports 11.6 million children in school based on a 70% attendance requirement.
BISP operates on a Life Cycle Approach, covering every stage—from birth to adolescence. This includes:
- Cash support during pregnancy
- Nutrition for newborns
- Stipends for school-going children
- Adolescent girls’ health programs
All of these eventually feed into the Benazir Kafalat program, where the woman is the central decision-maker of the household.
Impact and Global Recognition
According to a study by Agha Khan University, the Benazir Nashonuma program has reduced stunting rates in Pakistan by 2.5%, while school attendance under the Taleemi Wazaif program has increased by 35%.
BISP has also shown quick action during national emergencies, supporting people when they needed it the most. For example, during the 2022 floods, BISP immediately assisted millions of affected families.
In Ramzan 2025, BISP introduced digital wallets to ensure transparent and efficient payments, which became a model for success.
Due to its success, BISP is now being studied and appreciated globally. Countries like Niger, Mali, Uganda, Jamaica, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Tanzania, along with institutions like the World Bank and other development partners, are looking to adopt this model in their own nations.
Data-Driven Expansion
BISP is backed by a powerful digital database covering over 30 million households. In remote regions of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25 mobile registration vans have been deployed to increase access and registration for deserving women.
Services from NADRA and BISP are now available at one stop through these vans, and thousands have already been registered.
To ensure transparency, helplines and call centers have been set up across the country.
Next Step: Skill Empowerment through Benazir Hunarmand Program
As envisioned by President Asif Ali Zardari, BISP is now moving towards poverty graduation, and the newly introduced Benazir Hunarmand Program is a major milestone in this journey.
This program will have a dedicated registration web portal and will be launched in collaboration with:
- NAVTTC
- PSDF
- PPAF
- Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety
Its goal is to transform beneficiaries into skilled individuals. Training will be provided in both traditional trades such as stitching and hospitality, and modern skills like digital marketing and coding.
On the demand side, BISP is building partnerships with the hospitality sector and other industries to provide real job opportunities.
From Financial Aid to Financial Empowerment
BISP is no longer just a cash transfer program. It is now a self-reliance movement—a journey that aims to bring long-lasting positive economic impact on Pakistan’s future.
FAQS
How to Check BISP Balance by CNIC?
To check your BISP balance, simply send your CNIC number to 8171 via SMS.
You’ll get a message showing your eligibility and current payment status.
How to Check BISP Payment Status Online or by SMS?
You can check your BISP payment by sending your CNIC to 8171 or visiting the official 8171.bisp.gov.pk portal.
It will show if your payment is issued and how to collect it.
What is the BISP Benazir Kafalat Payment for April 2025?
The latest Benazir Kafalat payment for April 2025 is PKR 10,500 per eligible family.
You can receive it through designated banks or payment agents.
How to Check Your BISP PMT Score Using CNIC?
Go to the BISP 8171 web portal and enter your CNIC to view your Poverty Means Test (PMT) score.
This score decides your eligibility for BISP financial aid.
