BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid: Rs13,500 Vital for Families, Should Not Be Undermined

Islamabad: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, has stressed the importance of the financial assistance provided under the programme, stating that the Rs13,500 support amount holds great significance for struggling families and should not be looked down upon.

Addressing a press conference, she said that the BISP currently supports 10 million families, benefiting nearly 60 million individuals across Pakistan. She emphasized that the programme is not political but is focused on welfare initiatives including *Kafalat, Nashonuma, Wazaif,* and skill development.

“Criticism is easy, but completing and sustaining such initiatives is what truly matters,” she remarked, adding that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always respected state institutions.

Highlighting the programme’s impact, Rubina Khalid said 3.6 million women are benefiting from the *Nashonuma Programme*, which has led to a 6.4% reduction in child stunting, while an Aga Khan report indicated a 20% decline in stunting among infants under six months.

She further noted that 1.87 million children are enrolled in the education programme, while under the *Kafalat* scheme, 17 million children are registered. A total of Rs216 billion has been spent on children’s education so far, with over 500 children achieving A grades in matriculation examinations.

The BISP chairperson also highlighted the programme’s efficiency, saying administrative expenses are limited to just 1% of its total budget. She reiterated that successive governments have relied on BISP’s database for various welfare initiatives.