ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government on Tuesday proposed a 21 percent increase in funding for its flagship social protection initiative, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), as part of the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presenting the budget 2025-26, said PKR 716 billion would be allocated for the programme.
As part of this expansion, the Kafalat Programme will be extended to reach 10 million households, enabling more eligible individuals to receive financial assistance.
Furthermore, the Educational Stipends Programme will also be expanded, providing educational support to 12 million children under the scheme.
The Minister, during the speech, said the government, through BISP, disbursed PKR 592 billion in unconditional cash assistance to 9.9 million low-income families during the fiscal year 2024–25.
He added that the support was aimed at helping economically disadvantaged households cope with rising inflation and income instability. The programme played a critical role in easing economic burdens through targeted cash transfers.
He stated that under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, 1.5 million pregnant and nursing mothers received essential nutrition, while 1.6 million children were supported with financial assistance and dietary supplements. Special attention was given to children under the age of two to address malnutrition and stunted growth through targeted care.
Additionally, the government provided education stipends to 11.6 million children of BISP beneficiaries to encourage school attendance and help reduce dropout rates among vulnerable families.
To foster economic self-reliance, 250,000 individuals received financial literacy training, equipping them with the skills needed to better manage their finances and participate more actively in the economy.
He said these initiatives demonstrate the government’s ongoing dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable development.
