Latest news with #Kafaalat
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP budget to rise 20% to Rs716bn in FY26; Kafalat stipend increased
ISLAMABAD: The annual budget of Benazir Income Support (BISP) in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 would be 716 billion rupees (0.5 percent of GDP), a 20 percent nominal increase compared to FY24-25 (Rs 598 billion),including an increase in unconditional cash transfer (UCT) Kafaalat programme quarterly stipend from Rs 13,500 to Rs 14,500, beginning in January 2026. This was revealed in the report uploaded on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) website on the first staff level agreement. Pakistani authorities will implement an electricity subsidy reform that will replace the existing budgeted tariff differential subsidy and cross-subsidy system with a targeted budgeted subsidy framework for low-income consumers, to be facilitated via BISP, and a simplified tariff structure, in the context of FY2026-27 budget and 2026-27 annual rebasing, with initial rebates to begin by end-January 2027. Pakistani authorities pledged the following: 'Ahead of this implementation, we will work closely with the IMF and World Bank to identify and verify consumers to be targeted under the new subsidy framework by end-January 2026; define eligibility criteria by end-July 2026; have a rebate mechanism in place with financial institutions by end-July 2026; and begin to roll out our communications campaign around this by end-June 2025. We will also seek to reform our gas subsidy system, which also entails a distortive and broadly targeted cross-subsidy system that spur over consumption and wastage, to target low-income consumers. We will undertake analysis to better assess the viability of a scheme similar to that to be implemented in the power sector and will decide on a path forward by end-June 2026.' The World Bank is engaging with the Power Ministry and BISP to develop (1) a method to identify electricity consumers by income rather than consumption level and (2) a transfer mechanism that could replace the current energy subsidy frameworks, the IMF says in its report. The federal government has informed the IMF that it is working closely with the World Bank to refine BISP administrative systems: 'We commit to keeping the NSER (National Socio Economic Registry) live and covering all of Pakistan's poor; keeping BISP enrolment open; and administering the regular re-declaration of BISP beneficiaries' status on the intended three-year cycle.' The government has also committed to IMF to rebuilding non-BISP health and education spending at the federal and provincial level while acknowledging the decline in non-BISP federal and provincial spending on health and education programmes in recent years and commit to gradually rebuilding this as a share of GDP over the course of our programme. 'We missed health and education targets in FY25H1, largely due to execution constraints in Sindh and KP, but will endeavour to fully executing the budgeted Rs 2,882 billion (2.4 percent of GDP) by end-FY25. The FY26 budget will include a similar level of health and education spending as a share of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), equivalent to Rs 3,156 billion,' Pakistani officials pledged. From July to February FY2024-25, Rs 347 billion were disbursed under BISP, representing an 82.6 percent increase over the previous year, against a full-year allocation of Rs 592.5 billion, the IMF report further stated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP budget to rise 20pc to Rs716bn in FY26; Kafalat stipend increased
ISLAMABAD: The annual budget of Benazir Income Support (BISP) in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 would be 716 billion rupees (0.5 percent of GDP), a 20 percent nominal increase compared to FY24-25 (Rs 598 billion),including an increase in unconditional cash transfer (UCT) Kafaalat programme quarterly stipend from Rs 13,500 to Rs 14,500, beginning in January 2026. This was revealed in the report uploaded on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) website on the first staff level agreement. Pakistani authorities will implement an electricity subsidy reform that will replace the existing budgeted tariff differential subsidy and cross-subsidy system with a targeted budgeted subsidy framework for low-income consumers, to be facilitated via BISP, and a simplified tariff structure, in the context of FY2026-27 budget and 2026-27 annual rebasing, with initial rebates to begin by end-January 2027. Pakistani authorities pledged the following: 'Ahead of this implementation, we will work closely with the IMF and World Bank to identify and verify consumers to be targeted under the new subsidy framework by end-January 2026; define eligibility criteria by end-July 2026; have a rebate mechanism in place with financial institutions by end-July 2026; and begin to roll out our communications campaign around this by end-June 2025. We will also seek to reform our gas subsidy system, which also entails a distortive and broadly targeted cross-subsidy system that spur over consumption and wastage, to target low-income consumers. We will undertake analysis to better assess the viability of a scheme similar to that to be implemented in the power sector and will decide on a path forward by end-June 2026.' The World Bank is engaging with the Power Ministry and BISP to develop (1) a method to identify electricity consumers by income rather than consumption level and (2) a transfer mechanism that could replace the current energy subsidy frameworks, the IMF says in its report. The federal government has informed the IMF that it is working closely with the World Bank to refine BISP administrative systems: 'We commit to keeping the NSER (National Socio Economic Registry) live and covering all of Pakistan's poor; keeping BISP enrolment open; and administering the regular re-declaration of BISP beneficiaries' status on the intended three-year cycle.' The government has also committed to IMF to rebuilding non-BISP health and education spending at the federal and provincial level while acknowledging the decline in non-BISP federal and provincial spending on health and education programmes in recent years and commit to gradually rebuilding this as a share of GDP over the course of our programme. 'We missed health and education targets in FY25H1, largely due to execution constraints in Sindh and KP, but will endeavour to fully executing the budgeted Rs 2,882 billion (2.4 percent of GDP) by end-FY25. The FY26 budget will include a similar level of health and education spending as a share of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), equivalent to Rs 3,156 billion,' Pakistani officials pledged. From July to February FY2024-25, Rs 347 billion were disbursed under BISP, representing an 82.6 percent increase over the previous year, against a full-year allocation of Rs 592.5 billion, the IMF report further stated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP Kafaalat initiative: ‘Financial aid provided directly to female members of qualifying households'
ISLAMABAD: Financial assistance is provided directly to female members of qualifying households under Kafaalat initiative as part of BISP's approach to promote women's central role within their families, Secretary Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Amer Ali Ahmad said. He has also reaffirmed the government's 'unwavering commitment' to supporting the most deserving segments of the society through BISP. The secretary BISP shared these views in a meeting with a delegation of officers from the 43rd Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). The 14-member delegation was received at the BISP headquarters by the secretary BISP along with BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid on Wednesday. Dr Syeda Faiza Urooj, Additional Directing Staff at NIPA, headed the delegation. The primary objective of the visit was to gain firsthand insight into BISP's operational framework, institutional structure, and its pivotal role in implementing social protection programmes nationwide, aimed at uplifting Pakistan's most vulnerable populations, said an official statement issued after the meeting. Secretary Ahmad appreciated the value of professional training programmes like MCMC, which empower officers to translate their knowledge into practical solutions and communicate ideas clearly and effectively, the statement added. The secretary outlined key initiatives of the organisation including its flagship programmes: Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, Nashonuma, Hunarmand, National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), and a new digital payment model. The BISP chairperson said BISP's biometric verification system ensures transparency and accountability, and it enhances the mobility and empowerment of its beneficiaries. BISP is a transformational programme and a game-changer in the realm of social protection, she said. The organisation adheres strictly to the principles of transparency, accountability, and dignity, Khalid said. Dr Tahir Noor, Additional Secretary BISP, gave a detailed briefing to the delegation on BISP's institutional framework, its expansive countrywide presence, and its core objectives, said the statement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
BISP chairperson visits payment site
Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the Azam Park Sheikhabad Payment Campsite in Peshawar to inspect the arrangements for disbursing quarterly Kafaalat stipends to deserving women. During her visit, she reviewed the on-ground facilities and directed staff to ensure a dignified and respectful environment for elderly and underprivileged women. She emphasized the importance of cleanliness at the site and instructed that clean drinking water must be made available to all beneficiaries. Addressing the women present, she clarified that the BISP survey process is entirely free and that there is no survey form or fee involved.
Express Tribune
16-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Population Council scales up family planning vouchers
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's rapid population growth is a major challenge to development and the well-being of its citizens. While many seek better family planning options, access to services remains limited, particularly for the underprivileged. To address this issue, the Population Council Pakistan (PCB) piloted a family planning voucher model for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries. This initiative is now being expanded in Punjab by the Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF). To further scale up family planning services through social protection agencies, the Population Council Pakistan organised a high-level roundtable discussion titled "Scaling Up Family Planning Vouchers in Pakistan." The event brought together government officials and development partners to discuss solutions for improving access to family planning (FP) services, particularly for underserved communities. Senator Rubina Khalid stated, "Through our Kafaalat and Nashonuma programmes, we are dedicated to improving the well-being of women and children. Our National Socioeconomic Registry enables us to extend vital support to the most vulnerable segments of society." She stressed the importance of FP service provision, particularly in remote and marginalized communities. Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho highlighted that "Voucher programmes allow us to reach women who face barriers in accessing FP services, ensuring they can make informed choices about their reproductive health." She emphasised integrating FP services into programmes like Mamta and Aghosh and advocated for in-kind services over conditional cash transfers. Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director of Population Council Pakistan, emphasised, "Despite years of commitments, progress on family planning remains insufficient. With nearly six million unplanned pregnancies annually and 3.8 million women resorting to induced abortions, urgent, scalable interventions are needed." She cited the success of the Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) voucher pilot as an effective model for directing government resources to underserved populations. Jo Moir, Development Director, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), noted, "Since 2017, through the DAFPAK Programme, we have reached over 10.8 million women across all provinces. However, overcoming cultural and societal barriers remains a key challenge." Moir reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting scalable and impactful interventions like family planning vouchers to meet the reproductive health needs of Pakistani women. Liaqat Ali Khan emphasised that while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on track to achieve its family planning (FP) objectives, sustained progress requires stronger federal and provincial collaboration. He advocated for incentive-based approaches rather than coercive measures to promote FP. The event also featured presentations on successful family planning voucher programmes. Population Council's Director Programmes, Iram Kamran shared insights from the RYK pilot.
