BISP Chief Demands Apology Over ‘Fraud’ Remarks by Political Leader
ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of the **Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)**, Senator **Rubina Khalid**, has strongly condemned a political leader’s statement labeling BISP as “fraud,” calling it an insult to over **10 million families** benefiting from the initiative. She demanded the leader issue a public apology.
Addressing a press conference at the BISP headquarters, Senator Khalid urged political leaders to **avoid point-scoring amid the recent floods**, which have caused widespread human and financial losses. She noted that BISP had disbursed **Rs 70 billion in emergency aid during the 2022 floods** and continues to play a vital role in supporting affected families.
“BISP is the most transparent, swift, and wide-reaching relief mechanism in Pakistan. It is not tied to any political party; rather, it is a lifeline for the poor and a source of dignity for millions,” she said.
Highlighting the program’s transparency, Khalid stated that **BISP is regularly audited and monitored by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank**, and that several countries are now studying the model to replicate it. She added that **over 10 million children are receiving educational stipends** under the program, along with the **Benazir Nashonuma initiative** to improve child nutrition.
She emphasized that **flood victims, particularly those already below the poverty line, are the hardest hit**, and BISP’s comprehensive data ensures timely and transparent aid distribution. Mobile survey teams have also been deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s flood-affected districts to assist families who lost their cards.
Senator Khalid clarified that the **program’s name will not be changed**, regardless of political objections, and reiterated that BISP is not about charity or politics but about **uplifting marginalized communities**.
“Calling BISP a fraud is not just an attack on the program but an insult to millions of struggling families. The leader who made this statement must apologize,” she concluded.
