BISP Budget Rises 20% to Rs 716B in 2025

Islamabad, May 19, 2025 (INP): The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) stands as a vital pillar of Pakistan’s social safety net, delivering financial assistance to low-income families and vulnerable groups. For the upcoming fiscal year, a projected allocation of Rs 716 billion is set for BISP in the national budget, a critical lifeline amid economic challenges.

To counter rising inflation and socio-economic pressures, a proposed 20% budget increase aims to amplify BISP’s impact, enabling expanded beneficiary coverage, higher stipend amounts, and enhanced transparency in fund distribution. Key changes include a Rs 1,000 monthly cash transfer hike starting January 2026, raising the quarterly stipend from Rs 13,500 to Rs 14,500. Stipends will be adjusted with inflation rates to preserve purchasing power, while the Kafalat program targets 10 million families (1 crore), with 700,000 new families already enrolled this fiscal year.

Web context highlights ongoing poverty debates, while posts found on X reflect mixed sentiments—some applaud the expansion, others question funding sustainability. Critically, the narrative of “enhanced impact” may mask implementation hurdles—web sources note past distribution issues, and X sentiment raises concerns over transparency, suggesting potential challenges ahead.