Islamabad (Agencies): The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has signed a landmark agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Karandaaz Pakistan to ensure more efficient, transparent, and dignified payment of financial assistance to its beneficiaries. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at BISP Headquarters, presided over by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid.
The initiative follows high-level discussions held in London between BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid, BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, and representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Karandaaz Pakistan. The partnership aims to simplify the payment process and improve transparency in fund transfers, especially for women beneficiaries in targeted districts of Pakistan.
Under the agreement, Karandaaz Pakistan will facilitate the disbursement of payments using the RAAST payment system, a state-of-the-art digital payment platform. Additionally, Karandaaz will spearhead a nationwide Digital and Financial Literacy Training program, with the trial phase set to launch on June 30, 2025.
The agreement was signed by BISP Director General (Cash Transfers) Naveed Akbar and Karandaaz Chief Digital Officer Sharjeel Murtaza. The event was attended by key figures, including BISP Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Tahir Noor, Director Generals from various departments, CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan Waqas Ul Hassan, Country Lead for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Syed Ali Mahmood, and Karandaaz Gender Lead Saima Malik.
Speaking at the event, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the significance of the collaboration, calling it a “revolutionary step” in ensuring full and transparent payment of financial assistance to beneficiaries. She reiterated BISP’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities and ensuring that payments are made with dignity and respect for the recipients.
“This agreement will not only facilitate transparent funds disbursement but also empower women by providing them access to digital and financial literacy,” Senator Rubina Khalid stated. She emphasized that BISP’s mission is to uphold the self-respect of its beneficiaries while ensuring ease and transparency in the payment process.
The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen BISP’s capacity to serve its beneficiaries, improve the efficiency of fund transfers, and reduce delays in payments. Through the use of digital payment systems and financial literacy programs, BISP aims to create a more inclusive and dignified social protection mechanism for Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities.