Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, met with Bureau Chiefs and Reporters belonging to Sindh deputed in Islamabad at the BISP Headquarters. During the meeting, members of the journalist community congratulated her on being elected to the Senate for the third time.Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid shared that BISP has recently introduced a digital wallet-based payment model for its deserving women beneficiaries. She announced that from August 13, 2025, BISP will begin the pilot phase of 'Sahulat Accounts' in seven major districts of the country. Through this initiative, women will be able to receive their financial assistance directly into bank accounts of their choice.Senator Rubina Khalid also highlighted ongoing consultations with Pakistan Post to improve access to e-payment services for beneficiaries. She noted, 'We are piloting multiple payment models in various cities to evaluate their effectiveness and adopt the best possible option fo r our beneficiaries.'Referring to the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Program on June 21, 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, she said: 'This initiative, inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari, aims to provide world-class technical training to BISP women beneficiaries and their family members so they may secure decent employment, become self-reliant, and contribute to the national economy.' She termed the program 'the future of Pakistan' that will bring transformative change to the lives of deserving families.Senator Rubina Khalid mentioned that the initiative is being implemented with the support of key stakeholders, including NAVTTC, provincial TEVTAs, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, and the Friends of BISP platform. So far, nearly 10,000 people have registered through the web portal, with a greater number of women participants than men. She emphasized that recognizing the housewife as the head of household and requiring a valid CNIC for registration a re among the program's key features, crediting President Asif Ali Zardari for these progressive steps. 'This initiative has empowered millions of poor women and made them part of the national database,' she said.Senator Rubina Khalid informed the media that around 10 million families are currently receiving financial assistance under BISP. Under the Benazir Nashonuma Program, the health and nutritional needs of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under two years of age are being addressed. She noted that this initiative has contributed to a 6.5% reduction in the national stunting rate. She further stated that under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, scholarships are being provided from primary to higher secondary levels, requiring school enrollment and at least 70% attendance. She proudly shared that students from Kohat, Multan and Bahawalpur, enrolled in the program, have recently secured top positions in the matriculation exams.Senator Rubina Khalid added that while BISP previously conducted door-t o-door surveys, Dynamic Registry Centers have now been established at the tehsil level nationwide. These centers offer survey facilities to deserving families. A re-survey is mandatory for families that have been receiving assistance for more than three years. She clarified that BISP has neither a survey form nor any fee-the process is entirely free of cost.In conclusion, she stated, 'There is always room for improvement in the program. Media-reported complaints are addressed promptly. Most importantly, we must educate deserving women so they can fully claim and exercise their rights.