The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety pressed for the immediate implementation of a digital banking pilot program for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) recipients, citing Pakistan’s escalating poverty levels, which are nearing 50%. The committee, meeting at Parliament House on Thursday, stressed the need to expedite the transition to a technology-based, transparent system for distributing financial aid.
Committee Chair, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, highlighted the program’s goal of ensuring respectful aid distribution with reduced human interaction. He voiced apprehension regarding the difficulties beneficiaries face at current distribution locations and the rising poverty rate.
The committee expressed displeasure over the postponement of the digital banking pilot, originally planned for June. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) indicated that technical aspects are finalized, pending procedural clearances. The pilot is now projected to commence by July’s end, with initial accounts opening by mid-August.
Developed with BISP, the initiative will incorporate formal banking channels using geographically targeted branches and streamlined account setup. Beginning in seven districts, including Muzzafargarh, the project will undergo a two-quarter assessment before nationwide deployment.
The SBP outlined strategies to improve accessibility and efficiency, including expanding ATM availability, introducing phased cash distribution to alleviate crowding, and progressively implementing digital wallets. Biometric verification will be the primary disbursement method, with debit cards issued only when fingerprints are unreadable. API integration tests are nearly finished, and two-factor authentication is being considered for added security.
Concerns regarding the treatment of BISP recipients at banks and distribution points were raised. The Acting SBP Governor guaranteed the recipients’ dignity and ease of access to secure, interconnected banking facilities.
Discussions also included using mobile SIM registration information from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enhance biometric confirmation and outreach.
The committee also addressed BISP’s staffing shortages. Of the 3,486 authorized positions, only 2,347 are filled, with 1,858 being permanent BISP employees. The committee noted that dependence on temporary staff hinders consistency and raises expenses. The Finance Division explained that hiring is governed by Cabinet and Establishment Division regulations, especially due to IMF program prerequisites.
The committee urged BISP to collaborate with the Establishment and Finance divisions to address staffing deficiencies swiftly. It also supported BISP’s proposal to relocate offices to underserved areas like Munda and Balambat for improved accessibility.
The session concluded with a unanimous plea to expedite the digital banking pilot while ensuring transparency, protecting beneficiary entitlements, and incorporating vulnerable citizens into the formal financial system. Numerous MNAs and senior representatives from relevant ministries, BISP, and associated organizations were in attendance. Ms. Aniqa Mehdi joined remotely.