The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to roll out a new payment system for recipients beginning August 13, 2025. This shift introduces personal bank accounts for beneficiary women in major cities, replacing older methods such as local cash camps or agent-based disbursement.

The initiative includes launching pilot accounts in cities including Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Peshawar. Beneficiaries will be able to access their quarterly financial assistance directly through their bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and increasing transparency.

How the New System Works & Why It Matters

Major Features and Benefits:

  • Personal Bank Accounts for Women: Each eligible woman will receive funds directly into a designated bank account, empowering independence and enhancing financial security.
  • Pilot Phase in Major Cities: Initial implementation will span six urban centers, with plans to gradually extend the model nationwide.
  • Future Digital Wallet Integration: BISP plans to introduce digital wallets, enabling beneficiaries to receive and manage payments through mobile financial services.
  • Transparent and Accountable Disbursement: With the banking system at the core, all transactions are directly traceable, reducing past issues like duplicate claims or unauthorized intermediaries.

A Landmark for Financial Inclusion and Beneficiary Dignity

This new system marks a major evolution in Pakistan’s social safety net:

  • Empowers Women: By granting women exclusive access to their funds, the initiative supports independence and financial literacy.
  • Eliminates Friction with Agents: Beneficiaries will no longer have to pay commissions or stand in line reducing potential exploitation.
  • Increased Convenience: Bank branches or ATMs are now the primary access points, offering safer and more organized payment environments.
  • Stronger Financial Oversight: Electronic disbursements allow for better audit trails, reducing risk of fraud or misallocation.

Program Timeline & Support Structure

The national roll-out begins on August 13, 2025, with training and support activities prepared ahead of launch:

  • Field Teams & Outreach: Staff have started awareness campaigns so beneficiaries know where and how to access their accounts.
  • Bank Coordination: BISP is liaising with participating partner banks to ensure proper staffing, biometric authentication, network connectivity, and signage at service points.
  • Helpline & Grievance Mechanism: Beneficiaries with issues may contact local BISP offices or call the program’s helpline for assistance.

Why This Initiative Marks Progress in Social Welfare Delivery

This move repositions BISP from traditional cash delivery to a more modern, beneficiary-focused model. It aligns with digital inclusion goals and opens pathways for women to gradually engage with formal banking.

The move also allows BISP to comply with higher accountability standards, reduces leakage, and fosters direct banking relationships critical components of a modern social protection system.

Looking Ahead: Expansion & Long-Term Vision

Once piloted successfully, the payment system is set to expand across all provinces and districts. The expected long-term evolution includes:

  • Nationwide rollout to reach rural and remote communities.
  • Integration with mobile wallet platforms for remote accessibility.
  • Seamless automatic redress of payment delays or errors.
  • Layering additional services, such as saving accounts or subsidized loans, onto beneficiary accounts.

Final Takeaway

With the launch of its bank-account payment system on August 13, BISP is taking a transformative leap toward digitized, dignified, and inclusive welfare delivery. This initiative sets a new benchmark in social protection ensuring women can access financial support efficiently, independently, and transparently.