Big Relief Expected: BISP Budget Proposed at Rs844 Billion Kafaalat Stipend to Jump to Rs18000

First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari was briefed at Parliament House on Monday about the performance, reforms, and upcoming expansion plans of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which continues to serve millions of low-income families across Pakistan. During the high-level session, Chairperson Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed presented updated figures on funding, outreach, and digital transformation. Officials shared that the programme received Rs716 billion in FY2025-26, while a proposed allocation of Rs844 billion for FY2026-27 aims to further widen social protection coverage. Under the Benazir Kafaalat initiative, quarterly stipends of Rs14,500 are currently supporting around 12 million households, with plans to raise the amount to Rs18,000 from January 2027. The briefing also highlighted progress in education stipends for millions of children, nutrition support for mothers and infants, and skills development programmes designed to improve livelihoods. The World Bank’s assessment noted strong economic multiplier effects, poverty reduction impact, and increased financial inclusion through digital wallets and mobile connectivity initiatives. The First Lady praised efforts to strengthen transparency and empowerment under Benazir Bhutto vision, while officials reaffirmed commitment to transforming BISP into modern inclusive welfare.