ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has introduced Social Protection Wallets for one million registered beneficiaries, marking a major shift toward a more transparent, secure, and efficient stipend distribution system. As part of the initiative, BISP has begun providing free mobile SIMs to eligible women across the country.
The move comes under the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who instructed BISP to adopt a modern digital payment model— a step the organisation describes as one of the largest social protection efforts in the world.
Speaking to Media, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid outlined key procedures for beneficiaries. She said eligible women must visit their nearest BISP office or a designated camp location with their original CNIC and active mobile phone. After biometric verification, they will receive a free SIM that will serve as their Social Protection Wallet.
Senator Khalid strongly warned beneficiaries not to pay anyone for the SIM, emphasising that the entire process is free. She noted that only BISP is authorised to activate the Social Protection Wallet on the provided SIM and urged women to avoid contacting any external or unauthorised sources for activation.
She added that the new digital wallet would significantly enhance the convenience, security, and transparency of stipend disbursements. Moving forward, all BISP instalments and financial support will be transferred exclusively through the Social Protection Wallet, and all related notifications will be delivered on the designated SIM.
“This SIM is not an ordinary SIM,” Senator Khalid said. “It is a digital wallet that holds your financial power, and must be protected with the same care as your personal purse.”
The initiative represents a major milestone in promoting financial inclusion and independence for deserving women across Pakistan. BISP has advised all eligible beneficiaries to collect their free SIMs from BISP offices or designated camps by December 31.