Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Senator Rubina Khalid has said that the midterm study by the Aga Khan Institute shows a 6.4 percent reduction in stunting among children under two years, and up to 20 percent among six-month-old infants, due to the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. So far, 3.6 million women have directly benefitted from the programme.
While addressing a press conference Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized, 'A healthy mother is the guarantee of a healthy society.'
Senator Rubina Khalid further stated that under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme, 18.7 million children have been enrolled, with more than 12 million maintaining over 70 percent attendance. To date, Rs. 216 billion has been spent on children's education. In matriculation board exams, 503 students achieved A+ grades, including Mahwish from Kohat Board and Maryam Bibi from Multan Board who secured first positions, while at the higher secondary level, Muhammad Waseem from D.G. Khan Board topped in F.Sc.
Highlighting the significance of the BISP database, the Chairperson said that all provincial governments are benefiting from this data, and collaboration continues with them. She stressed that this is the country's only flagship social protection programme, and its structure must not be compromised.
She added that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme is a major effort to equip deserving households with skills and self-reliance, paving the way for poverty reduction nationwide. She appealed to political leaders and ministers to support this initiative, noting that it enjoys recognition and credibility both at home and internationally.
The Chairperson said that BISP is not just a programme but a pledge to break the cycle of poverty, empower mothers, and prepare a new generation that is healthy, educated, skilled, and truly the strength of Pakistan. She clarified that BISP is a federal institution, operating under the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and not under any provincial government.
She stressed that if flood-affected families are provided cash through BISP, immediate relief can be ensured, and the Programme awaits the directives of the Prime Minister in this regard. Currently, 35 million households are registered with BISP. Senator Rubina Khalid remarked, 'For the affluent, this amount may not seem significant, but for the poor, it is a lifeline.'
She concluded by saying that the Programme is in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, guaranteeing the prosperity and welfare of the people.
Senator Rubina Khalid urged provincial governments to continue playing their positive role in further strengthening the BISP initiative. She said the BISP is a transparent and digital programme and its credibility is acknowledged globally.
She highlighted that the program is extremely efficient, with administrative expenditures amounting to only one percent of its total budget.
Underscoring the BISP's significant national reach, she said ten million families across Pakistan are currently benefiting from this mega initiative. Highlighting the program's effectiveness in education sector, she said over 17 million children are registered in the BISP's Kafalat programme and 216 billion rupees have been spent on child education under the remarkable initiative.
Senator Rubina Khalid said the BISP is not just a program, but a pledge to eradicate the poverty, empower the mothers and prepare a skilled, healthy and educated population for Pakistan.