ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the country’s largest social welfare programme.
The initiative, described as a “historic milestone,” aims to enhance transparency, strengthen financial inclusion, and accelerate the country’s transition towards a cashless economy.
“The digital wallet system is, in its true sense, blessed by the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as it empowers BISP beneficiaries with safe, transparent, and direct access to financial assistance,” PM Sharif said, addressing the launching ceremony.
PM Sharif congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, the BISP team, and partner institutions for the “landmark decision that will safeguard genuine recipients and protect them from undue difficulties.”
He stressed that BISP remains a “great initiative for poverty alleviation and employment generation,” but stressed that continued efforts were needed to expand its impact.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the launch of the new digital payment initiative as “a great leap towards a cashless economy,” highlighting its potential to improve transparency, efficiency, and national progress.
He noted that during Ramadan, 78% of the relief package was successfully delivered through digital channels—despite initial skepticism and pushback from certain vested interests.
“Cashless transactions are the need of the hour,” he said. “They save time, reduce corruption, and enhance efficiency—key ingredients for Pakistan’s rapid development.”
The prime minister shared that he had personally chaired multiple meetings on digitisation, even when the topic was initially met with “indifferent attitudes and boredom,” reflecting his strong commitment to shifting all government-to-government, business-to-business, and personal transactions onto digital platforms.
He also urged the leadership of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to introduce conditionalities related to education and healthcare. “If a family is receiving financial assistance, it should be conditional upon all children attending school,” he said.
“Similarly, health-related initiatives must be tied to support under BISP. Only then will this programme become a lasting legacy that benefits millions of children.”
The prime minister further called for streamlining the current implementation timeline—reducing it from eight to ten months down to just four months—for faster and more impactful delivery.
The Prime Minister concluded by paying tribute to all stakeholders State Bank of Pakistan, IT Ministry, Pakistani banks, and development partners for their contributions.
“We are not just disbursing aid, we are raising an army of architects and workers to build the nation,” he said.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid termed the launch an “important and historic milestone” in Pakistan’s social protection journey.
“This programme, which supports over 10 million impoverished families, is not just financial assistance, it is a pathway to social and economic empowerment,” she said.
