A National Assembly panel was informed on Thursday that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is currently operating with 151 deputationists and consultants due to a lack of permanent staff. The revelation was made during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, chaired by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur. The meeting scrutinized BISP's digital wallet interoperability, participant banks' compliance enforcement, beneficiaries' compensation, and administrative restructuring.
Staffing Constraints and Austerity Measures
On administrative matters, the committee learned that BISP is operating with 134 employees on deputation and 17 consultants, facing severe constraints in permanent staffing due to federal austerity measures. The committee directed the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation to submit a summary to the Finance Division and the Austerity Committee within two weeks to seek necessary exemptions.
Digital Transformation and Interoperability
The meeting deliberated on the digital transformation of BISP, particularly the interoperability of beneficiary accounts and the official launch of the Social Protection Digital Wallet. The deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) apprised the committee that the financial burden of interoperability would be borne by the beneficiaries themselves. He outlined a definitive roadmap: HBL and HBL Microfinance Bank will operationalize interoperability by July 16, 2026, followed by Telenor Microfinance Bank on July 20, with all six participating banks completing integration by July 31, 2026.
In a significant clarification, the deputy governor emphasized that transaction charges would apply only to cash withdrawals, while online transfers and RAAST fund transfers would remain entirely free. The committee was also informed that complete digitalization and mandated online functionality of BISP beneficiary accounts is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
Point-of-Sale Staff and Compliance Issues
Responding to queries regarding the unannounced absence of Point-of-Sale (POS) staff, a representative from HBL stated that 77 out of 104 dedicated staff members are currently serving in Gujarat district, with 35 percent of the total disbursement target already accomplished. The committee expressed concern over a perceived lack of public awareness regarding the Social Protection Digital Wallet and contractual deficiencies on BISP's part in enforcing bank compliance. Consequently, the committee directed the secretary of BISP to establish a robust implementation mechanism and ensure banks provide adequate on-site POS agents and facilitation for beneficiaries. In response, the secretary of BISP affirmed that a district-wise report on bank performance would be submitted to the committee, underscoring the collective effort that made interoperability feasible.
Cost Structure and Media Campaign
In a detailed briefing on the cost structure for beneficiaries, the SBP deputy governor clarified that the transaction cost would be fixed at Rs 280, with a schedule of charges to be notified by the State Bank every six months. The committee instructed BISP to present a comprehensive report on its media awareness campaign and directed the programme to coordinate with the six participating banks to launch social media campaigns utilizing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets.
Compensation for Rahim Yar Khan Incident
Addressing the tragic incident at a Mobilink Microfinance/JazzCash BISP payment distribution centre in Rahim Yar Khan on March 16, 2026, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, the committee was informed that BISP had penalized Mobilink Microfinance Bank. Compensation of Rs 2 million has been disbursed to the families of each deceased individual, along with Rs 500,000 for medical treatment of the injured, with the amount being recovered from the bank’s share.
Accessibility and Other Issues
Moreover, the committee noted with concern the inadequate accessibility for disabled individuals at banking facilities, prompting the State Bank to commit to conducting a comprehensive accessibility and disability audit of all bank branches. Discussions also encompassed the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, with the committee noting that Shaikh Zayed Medical College Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan lacks requisite facilities for cochlear implants, and the Woman Empowerment Centre in Khangarh Tehsil remains non-operational due to infrastructure, manpower, and human resource deficiencies. Consequently, the committee proposed a temporary arrangement in Muzaffargarh to ensure uninterrupted services. Finally, the committee directed that questions pertaining to BISP and its beneficiaries from committee members will be included in the agenda for the committee’s next session.
