BISP Stipend Increase: Ramzan Boost for 10 Million Families | Pakistan News

Pakistan Announces Increased Financial Aid for Vulnerable Families Ahead of Ramadan

Islamabad – The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has announced increases to stipends for approximately 10 million families across Pakistan, timed to provide financial relief ahead of the upcoming month of Ramadan. The move comes as the government also launches a broader Ramazan Relief Package aimed at supporting households nationwide.

Chairperson of BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, announced that the quarterly Kafalat stipend will be raised from ₨13,500 to ₨14,500, with the increased payments scheduled for disbursement during Ramadan. This represents a significant boost for beneficiaries relying on the program for essential support.

Beyond the Kafalat program, BISP is also increasing financial assistance for other key initiatives. An additional ₨500 has been approved for the Benazir Education Stipends program, designed to encourage school enrollment and attendance. A similar increase of ₨500 will also be applied to the Benazir Nashonuma program, which provides nutritional supplements and financial aid to pregnant women and lactating mothers, addressing critical health needs during these stages of life.

The stipend increases are part of a wider effort by the government to mitigate the economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently launched a Rs. 38 billion Ramazan Relief Package, intended to reach 12.1 million households across Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This package will distribute funds digitally to eligible families, a shift from previous methods that relied on utility stores and were often plagued by logistical issues and concerns about transparency.

The Prime Minister’s package allocates Rs. 10 billion to families already registered under the Kafalat program. The government has emphasized its commitment to a digital disbursement system, aiming to ensure transparency and protect the dignity of beneficiaries. The State Bank of Pakistan has established a framework to guarantee secure and transparent fund distribution.

Meanwhile, Sindh province has announced revised office timings for the month of Ramadan, reflecting adjustments to accommodate religious observances. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to travel to New York on February 18th to participate in a high-level briefing at the United Nations Security Council concerning the situation in Palestine.

In other news, former cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev of India, have issued a humanitarian appeal for the release of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The appeal highlights concerns for Khan’s well-being and calls for his humane treatment. Recent reports indicate ongoing disputes regarding the details of Khan’s medical examination, with Imran’s sisters and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTAP) rejecting claims made by Mohsin Naqvi regarding the events surrounding the examination.

The Ramazan moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Afghanistan, meaning the first day of fasting will be observed on Wednesday, February 18th. Iran’s Foreign Minister has also reported progress in negotiations with the United States, stating that they have reached agreement “on guiding principles” for a potential deal.