ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif launched 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), terming it a historic milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards transparency, financial inclusion, and a cashless economy.
The prime minister symbolically inaugurated the system with a palm touch, in the presence of federal ministers, BISP leadership, and international development partners including GIZ. He congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, the BISP team, and all partner institutions for this “landmark decision that will safeguard genuine recipients and protect them from undue difficulties.” “This digital wallet system is, in its true sense, blessed by the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as it empowers BISP beneficiaries with safe, transparent, and direct access to financial assistance,” the PM stated.
He reaffirmed that BISP remains a significant initiative for poverty alleviation and employment generation, while urging continued efforts to expand its impact. Calling the launch “a great leap towards a cashless economy,” the prime minister recalled that during Ramazan, 78 percent of the relief package was successfully disbursed through digital channels—despite resistance from vested interests. “Cashless transactions are the pressing need of our times. They save time, reduce corruption, and increase efficiency, helping Pakistan progress rapidly,” he remarked.
He noted that he chaired multiple meetings on digitisation, despite early resistance and “indifferent attitudes” from some stakeholders, highlighting his commitment to shifting all government, business, and personal transactions to digital platforms. The prime minister also urged BISP leadership to integrate conditionalities into the programme, linking financial assistance to education and health. “If a family receives support, it should be conditional on all children attending school. Similarly, basic health compliance must be ensured. Only then will BISP become a true legacy benefiting millions,” he stressed. He called for shortening the current 8–10 month implementation cycle to just four months.
In conclusion, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to all stakeholders—including the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of IT, Pakistani banks, and international development partners—for their contributions to this transformative initiative. “We are not just disbursing aid; we are raising an army of architects and workers to build the nation,” he said.
Earlier, BISP Federal Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed briefed the prime minister on the system’s rollout. He said ten million digital wallets will be created using beneficiaries’ CNICs, supported by biometric verification. He added that 10 million free SIM cards would also be distributed, with the first phase already underway in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan in partnership with Jazz/Mobilink.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid described the launch as an “important and historic milestone” in Pakistan’s social protection journey. “This programme is a pathway to social and economic empowerment,” she said. She noted that linking benefits to women’s CNICs has provided them with recognition and inclusion in the national database. The digital wallets, she added, will “open further opportunities” and be complemented by digital literacy programmes for women unfamiliar with technology.
Chairing a meeting on the National Industrial Policy, the PM said the government was working on a priority basis to enhance industrial production and find sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by industries.
The prime minister emphasised that industry played a central role in boosting national exports. “Our top priority is to develop an export-oriented economy through the growth of industries and by equipping domestic manufacturing units with world-class manpower and modern technology,” he stated. He directed the relevant officials to consult all stakeholders while formulating the National Industrial Policy. The meeting was briefed on proposals related to the upcoming industrial policy.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, advisors, and representatives from the business community. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday honoured three local heroes from Gilgit-Baltistan for their life-saving efforts during the recent floods in Ghizer district.
The three men — shepherds Sher Wali, Shakir Hussain, and Farmanullah — helped save around 300 lives by issuing timely warnings to villagers ahead of the disaster. In recognition of their bravery, the Prime Minister awarded each of them Rs2.5 million in cash.
The three men, who alerted villagers ahead of the devastating flood, met the Prime Minister in Islamabad along with PML-N Gilgit-Baltistan President and former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. “These shepherds did what no technology or government machinery could do at that critical moment — they saved lives by putting their own at risk,” Rehman told The News after the meeting. “Their example will always be remembered in Gilgit-Baltistan’s history.” The premier praised their bravery, describing their actions as “a model of selfless service.”
in a statement, Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, said the provincial government is grateful to the prime minister for acknowledging the shepherds’ sacrifice and timely action. “On behalf of the provincial government, we extend heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recognising the heroic efforts of these brave men,” Faraq said. “Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan had already directed us to announce awards for the shepherds, and it is a matter of pride that their sacrifice has now been recognised at the national level.” The spokesperson further mentioned that Hunza’s Karimullah Baig and Nasir from Chitorkhand Dain also played a vital role in saving dozens of lives during the floods. He said the provincial government will host a special ceremony at the CM Secretariat to honour them as well.