ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has achieved a significant milestone, reaching out to over 770,000 lactating mothers and infants with a comprehensive package of nourishment, cash assistance, and guidance through the Benazir Nashonuma initiative.
This claim was made by Shazia Marri, the Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, during a meeting with Chris Kaye, the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), on Wednesday.
Shazia Marri highlighted that the Benazir Nashonuma Programme has successfully transitioned and expanded from its pilot phase to cover the entire country. Currently, Benazir Nashonuma initiative is providing support to 770,000 lactating mothers and infants through 488 Facilitation Centers across Pakistan. These centers combine Special Nutritious Food (SNF) and cash stipends.
BISP’s Nashonuma Programme impact
The federal minister expressed her appreciation for the valuable technical assistance provided by WFP to enhance the effectiveness of BISP’s Benazir Nashonuma Programme. She emphasized that this initiative is playing a vital role in assisting 770,000 mothers and children by providing specialized nutritious food and essential cash support. Moreover, Shazia Marri revealed that BISP is in the process of implementing an innovative payment mechanism.
This pioneering approach involves the establishment of the “Benazir Social Protection Account” as part of the broader Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). With a focus on transparency and efficiency, this initiative empowers women by allowing them to choose their preferred banks. This, in turn, ensures seamless direct payments into their accounts, enabling convenient withdrawals.
The Country Director of WFP extended commendations to BISP for its remarkable service delivery and reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to sustaining the partnership.
This collaboration is particularly vital in addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable individuals, especially in times of crisis. The meeting also saw the participation of Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, and DG (CCT).
