BISP Update: 8 Lakh Women Removed – Check If You’re Affected
The Government of Pakistan has recently taken a major step to improve transparency and fairness in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Nearly 820,000 women have been removed from the program after verification revealed that they did not meet the eligibility criteria. This move is aimed at ensuring that only truly deserving families benefit from the financial assistance program. From july to September tranche these beneficiaries not included in the program.
حکومتِ پاکستان نے شفافیت بڑھانے اور حقیقی مستحقین کو فائدہ دینے کے لیے تقریباً 8 لاکھ 20 ہزار خواتین کو BISP سے نکال دیا ہے۔
اخراج کی وجوہات:
- سرکاری ملازمت یا پنشن حاصل کرنا
- گاڑی یا موٹر سائیکل کی رجسٹریشن ایک سے زائد مرتبہ بیرونِ ملک سفر
- 12.5 ایکڑ سے زیادہ زمین یا قیمتی جائیداد
- بجلی کا بل 1000 یونٹ یا اس سے زیادہ
- سالانہ 10 ہزار روپے یا اس سے زائد موبائل/ٹیلیفون بل
- دیگر حکومتی سبسڈی پروگرامز سے فائدہ اٹھان
Why Were Women Removed from BISP?
The exclusion was not random; it followed specific guidelines to identify individuals who no longer qualify as “needy.” Below are the key reasons for removal:
1. Employment or Pension Benefits
Women who were found to be receiving a government salary or pension were disqualified, as their income status does not classify them as deserving beneficiaries.
2. Vehicle or Motorcycle Ownership
If a woman or her family owns a registered car or motorcycle, it reflects a certain financial standing, making them ineligible for continued BISP support.
3. Multiple International Travels
Women who have traveled abroad more than once were excluded, as repeated international trips indicate financial capability.
4. Large Land or Property Ownership
Beneficiaries owning 12.5 acres or more of agricultural land or possessing valuable real estate were removed, as such assets place them outside the target group.
5. High Electricity Bills
Households with electricity bills of 1,000 units or more were considered financially stable enough not to require BISP aid.
6. High Telephone or Mobile Bills
Women with annual mobile/telephone bills of PKR 10,000 or more were also excluded, as this spending reflects financial strength.
7. Benefiting from Other Subsidy Programs
Those who were already availing other government subsidy programs were disqualified to avoid duplication and misuse of resources.
Government’s Goal Behind the Decision
The removal of ineligible beneficiaries is not to reduce support but to ensure that funds are allocated to genuine and needy families. By doing so, the government aims to:
- Reduce corruption and fraud in the system
- Increase transparency and accountability
- Ensure that financial aid reaches the poorest households
What This Means for Beneficiaries
For the remaining eligible women, this step could mean more focused support and potentially an increase in financial assistance per family in the future. It also builds public trust that the BISP is serving its true purpose of poverty alleviation.
Conclusion
By removing over 820,000 non-deserving women, the Government of Pakistan has shown its commitment to transparency, accountability, and social justice. This ensures that the BISP continues to serve the most deserving families, strengthening its role as a key poverty relief program in the country.
