In a landmark move aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and empowering low-income households, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to launch the pilot phase of its Sahulat Account system on August 13.
The new system will enable BISP beneficiaries in seven key districts to open bank accounts of their own choosing and receive payments directly—marking a shift away from traditional cash-based transfers to a more secure and dignified model.
Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid made the announcement during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the World Bank and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The delegation is currently in Pakistan for a five-day Implementation Support Mission under the Crisis-Resilient Social Protection (CRISP) initiative.
“For the first time, beneficiaries will have the freedom to select their preferred bank for payment deposits,” said Rubina Khalid.
“This is a practical step toward digital empowerment and financial dignity.”
BISP has already rolled out a Digital Wallet Payment Model, and the Sahulat Account system is the next step in its digital evolution.
The visiting delegation included senior experts from both the World Bank and the FCDO, while BISP was represented by Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz, and all Director Generals.
During the session, the delegation was briefed on BISP’s reforms, including ongoing negotiations with Pakistan Post to integrate its e-payment infrastructure for broader reach and accessibility.
Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad reaffirmed the organization’s focus on beneficiary-centric service delivery, stating that multiple payment models are being piloted to determine the best long-term solution.
The World Bank’s Amjad Zafar Khan praised BISP’s performance in achieving key Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) and emphasized the need to sustain the momentum on pending reforms.
The mission also reviewed developments in the Hybrid Social Protection Scheme (HSPS), recent improvements in the NSER household survey, and new strategies for quality assurance checks.
This initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and transparent social protection system, supported by global partners.
