Empowering Women: BISP Kafalat Program Rs. 13,500 Payments in Budget 2025–26

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The Government of Pakistan has announced a significant expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Kafalat initiative in the 2025–26 federal budget. This expansion includes an increase in the quarterly stipend to Rs. 13,500 and the inclusion of 1.3 million additional women beneficiaries, aiming to enhance financial support for low-income households across the country.

Overview of the BISP Kafalat Program

Launched in 2008, the BISP Kafalat Program is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s social safety net, providing unconditional cash transfers to the most vulnerable segments of society, particularly women. The program’s primary objectives are to reduce poverty, empower women, and promote social inclusion.

Key Updates in the 2025–26 Budget

The 2025–26 federal budget introduces several pivotal changes to the BISP Kafalat Program:

  • Increased Stipend: The quarterly payment has been raised from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 13,500, effective January 2025, to help beneficiaries cope with inflation and rising living costs.

  • Expanded Beneficiary Base: An additional 1.3 million women have been included in the program, increasing the total number of beneficiaries to approximately 10 million.

  • Digital Payment Systems: BISP is introducing a digital wallet system to streamline payments, enhance transparency, and reduce delays.

  • Skill Development Initiatives: The Benazir Hunarmand Program has been launched to provide vocational training to beneficiaries, aiming to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the BISP Kafalat Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Pakistani citizen and permanent resident.

  • Have a monthly household income below Rs. 50,000.

  • Possess a Poverty Means Test (PMT) score below 34.

  • Not own property, a business, or valuable assets.

  • Have no history of foreign employment or international travel.

  • Neither the applicant nor any family member should be a government employee.

Registration Process

Eligible women can register for the program through the following steps:

  1. Document Preparation: Ensure that your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is up to date and obtain a Family Registration Certificate (FRC) from NADRA.

  2. Visit BISP Tehsil Office: Go to the nearest BISP office with your CNIC and FRC to complete the registration process.

  3. NSER Survey: Participate in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey, where your personal and financial details will be collected.

  4. Confirmation: After verification, you will receive a confirmation message if you are deemed eligible.

Payment Disbursement Schedule

The BISP Kafalat payments are disbursed quarterly as per the following schedule:

Quarter Payment Period Amount (Rs.)
January – March 2025 1st Installment 13,500
April – June 2025 2nd Installment 13,500
July – September 2025 3rd Installment 13,500
October – December 2025 4th Installment 13,500

Payments are collected from designated BISP campsites, where beneficiaries must present their CNIC and undergo biometric verification.

Additional Support Programs

In addition to the Kafalat stipend, BISP offers other support programs:

  • Benazir Taleemi Wazaif: Provides educational stipends to children of beneficiaries, encouraging school attendance.

  • Benazir Nashonuma: Offers nutritional support to pregnant women and children under two years of age.

Conclusion

The expansion of the BISP Kafalat Program in the 2025–26 budget underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare and poverty alleviation. By increasing financial assistance and broadening the beneficiary base, the program aims to empower women and support low-income families across Pakistan. Eligible women are encouraged to register and take advantage of the resources available through BISP.

FAQs

1. What is the BISP Kafalat Program?

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Kafalat is a government initiative providing unconditional cash transfers to low-income women across Pakistan. It aims to alleviate poverty, empower women, and promote financial inclusion.

2. What is the new payment amount for 2025–26?

Starting January 2025, the quarterly installment for BISP Kafalat beneficiaries has been increased from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 13,500 to help cope with rising inflation and living costs.

3. How many new women have been added to the program?

In the 2025–26 budget, an additional 1.3 million women have been included in the BISP Kafalat Program, expanding the total number of beneficiaries to approximately 10 million.

4. Who is eligible for the BISP Kafalat Program?

Eligibility criteria include:

  • Being a Pakistani citizen and permanent resident.

  • Monthly household income below Rs. 50,000.

  • Poverty Means Test (PMT) score below 34.

  • No ownership of property, business, or valuable assets.

  • No history of foreign employment or international travel.

  • Neither the applicant nor any family member should be a government employee.

5. How can I register for the BISP Kafalat Program?

Eligible women can register by:

  1. Ensuring their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is up to date.

  2. Obtaining a Family Registration Certificate (FRC) from NADRA.

  3. Visiting the nearest BISP Tehsil office with CNIC and FRC.

  4. Participating in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey.

  5. Awaiting confirmation of eligibility via SMS or official communication.

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