Updated on: October 21, 2024 3:19 pm GMT
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is making strides in providing financial assistance to millions of women across Pakistan. So far, Rs 5 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries through JazzCash, marking a significant step towards empowering women in need.
Disbursement Process Underway
Currently, the first tranche of BISP payments, amounting to Rs 10,500, is being distributed via JazzCash. The program covers various districts, including:
- Sindh: Sanghar, Nawabshah, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Matiari, Umerkot, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, and Hyderabad.
- Balochistan: Kaharan and Chaghai.
- Punjab: Rahim Yar Khan.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Malakand.
JazzCash has set up local agents to ensure that 1.3 million registered women beneficiaries can access their payments easily and efficiently.
Beneficiary Experiences Improve
The disbursement process has seen noticeable improvements. Shamim Akhtar, a widow from Matiari, shared her feelings after receiving support. “I was worried at first, but everything was well organized when I arrived. I received my payment without any problems,” she stated. This reflects a growing trend of efficiency compared to previous disbursement experiences.
Fatima Bibi, a resident of Hyderabad, echoed similar sentiments. “I was worried as earlier we had to stand in long queues under the sun. But here, the process is smooth, and the agents were very helpful.”
Beneficiaries have felt the impact of a better organized system, making a once stressful experience more manageable. JazzCash continues to focus on providing a seamless experience, offering additional support through a dedicated complaint management cell consisting of agents who speak regional languages.
Empowering Women with Technology
The integration of technology into the BISP process is significant. Kaneez Fatima from Rahim Yar Khan expressed gratitude for the support she received due to her mobility issues. “The staff was very cooperative and guided me through the process. They even taught me how to use an ATM, which I had never known before,” she said.
JazzCash has also introduced free debit cards for individuals with disabilities who face challenges in using traditional biometric verification for ATM withdrawals. Kaneez shared her excitement, saying, “It felt like a burden had been lifted.” This initiative allows beneficiaries to access their funds conveniently and with dignity.
Partnership for Nutritional Support
In another positive development, BISP has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) to extend the Benazir Nashonuma Programme for another two years. This initiative aims to combat malnutrition by providing additional cash support to vulnerable families, particularly targeting pregnant and lactating women.
During the agreement ceremony in Islamabad, BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “This agreement is a key step in our fight against malnutrition.”
The Nashonuma Programme allocates financial support of Rs 2,500 per quarter to mothers and their children. This assistance aims to reduce stunting among children under two years of age, providing them a healthier start in life.
The Road Ahead
As the BISP continues its efforts, it is crucial to monitor the effectiveness of these programs. With successful disbursement processes in place and partnerships with organizations like the UNWFP, there is hope for a brighter future for many families in Pakistan.
The focus on using technology alongside traditional support methods has shown promise in reaching marginalized communities. As more beneficiaries like Kaneez Fatima benefit from these changes, the ambitions of the BISP to support the underprivileged are being realized.
The government and its partners are determined to expand their reach, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the help they need. Continued investment and innovation in the support systems will be key in this journey to empowerment and nutritional security.
Through the dedicated efforts of organizations such as JazzCash, along with the steadfast commitment from BISP, there is a hopeful vision that these initiatives will create a pathway for meaningful change and a healthier future for the children and families in Pakistan.
