The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) will see a Rs. 3,000 increase in its quarterly stipend for recipients, following approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Beginning in January, the new total will be Rs. 13,500, up from the current Rs. 10,500.
This adjustment is part of the IMF’s efforts, in collaboration with the World Bank, to strengthen the BISP and its administrative systems. For the current financial year, the program’s budget stands at Rs. 599 billion, equating to 0.5% of Pakistan’s GDP and marking a 27% increase over the previous year.
New enrollments for BISP will continue over the next three years. Additionally, a pilot electronic payment system is being introduced to enhance banking options and transparency for users, with plans for a wider rollout starting in January.
The IMF recently revealed new loan conditions for Pakistan, which include measures aimed at enhancing social safety nets like BISP.
