The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is entering a new digital era. Starting August 14, 2025, BISP Shifts to Direct Bank Transfers for women beneficiaries across key urban centers, moving away from traditional cash disbursement methods. This major transition aims to ensure transparency, dignity, and financial empowerment for millions of women who rely on social assistance.

By introducing direct bank transfers, BISP is making it easier and safer for women to access their funds without the hassle of long queues or middlemen. This shift will not only reduce corruption but also encourage financial inclusion, enabling women to manage their money more securely and independently. In addition, bank transfers provide a clear record of transactions, which strengthens accountability within the system.

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What Is Changing BISP Shifts to Direct Bank Transfers ?

BISP Shifts to Direct Bank Transfers as part of a major step toward modernizing Pakistan’s social welfare system. Under the new model, women beneficiaries will have their assistance sent straight into their personal bank accounts, ensuring greater transparency, safety, and convenience. This change reduces the risks of cash handling, cuts out middlemen, and gives women full control over their funds.

With the pilot phase of the “Sahulat Accounts” initiative, BISP is setting the stage for a secure and self-managed payment system. Beneficiary women will now receive their payments directly without delays or deductions, making the process faster, fairer, and more efficient. This shift from cash-based distribution to digital banking solutions is expected to empower millions of women across the country, while also improving accountability within the program.

When and Where?

The transformation kicks off on August 14, 2025, starting in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Peshawar. Women beneficiaries in these areas will automatically receive personal bank accounts for BISP payments.

Why This Change Matters

1. Eliminates Middlemen and Corruption

By eliminating agents or third parties, Sahulat Accounts ensure that beneficiaries get the full amount owed—removing extra “commission” claims or deductions.

2. Promotes Financial Inclusion and Autonomy

Women gain direct control over their funds, enhancing financial independence and confidence.

3. Better Transparency and Security

Encrypted bank transfers are traceable, secure, and reduce distribution delays inherent in manual systems.

4. Consistent With Digital Policy Goals

This move aligns with Pakistan’s broader objective of digitizing welfare. It follows earlier successes with mobile wallet disbursements during Ramadan.

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How It Works

📌 Step	📝 Process	✅ Eligibility
👩 Registration	Women already registered under BISP in pilot districts.	Must be part of the pilot phase and enrolled in BISP.
🏦 Account Creation	Accounts are opened automatically in collaboration with partner banks.	No separate application required.
📢 Notification	Beneficiaries receive SMS or phone call when the account is set up.	Must have a registered mobile number.
💰 Disbursement	Funds are deposited directly into individual bank accounts.	Active BISP beneficiary.
🏧 Access	Women can withdraw funds using ATMs or branch visits—no middleman needed.	Valid CNIC and bank account activation.

Voices from the BISP Leadership

Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP, described the shift as a “milestone in digital empowerment,” emphasizing dignity and beneficiary choice in how funds are received. She also noted that women can now choose their bank and will use biometric verification for added security.

Officel Site : BISP – Benazir Income Support Programme

Broader Social Impact For BISP Shifts to Direct Bank Transfers

The shift is about more than payments—it’s a social statement. By enabling women to control their BISP funds directly, the programme fosters economic autonomy, reduces dependency, and builds trust in public systems. Critics also view this as a way to rechannel support toward employment-linked assistance and reduce long-term reliance.

Anticipated Challenges & Future Expansion

BISP Shifts to Direct Bank Transfers While the pilot begins in select cities, challenges may include connectivity, account awareness, and official messaging clarity. BISP plans are underway to expand the system nationwide after evaluating these early stages.

Undergoing discussions with Pakistan Post and retail agents, BISP also aims to integrate these models in future iterations for broader access.
What This Means for Beneficiaries

• Women gain full control of their aid, withdrawing when and how they choose.
• Lower risk of fraud or payment cuts, since funds go directly to beneficiaries.
• Simplified and dignified payment process respects beneficiary privacy and autonomy.

Final Thoughts

BISP Shifts to Direct Bank Transfers with the rollout of Sahulat Accounts from August 14, 2025, marking a bold shift toward modern, secure, and transparent welfare delivery. By empowering women with direct access to financial support, this initiative sets a new standard for social protection in Pakistan. As the system expands nationwide, it holds the potential to transform welfare delivery—one bank account, one beneficiary at a time. This landmark step reinforces BISP’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and empowerment for millions of women across the country.

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