The government of Pakistan has proposed a significant increase in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) budget for the upcoming fiscal year. If approved, this increase will offer major relief to millions of low-income families, particularly women, who rely on these payments for essential household needs.
BISP Budget Jumps to Rs. 716 Billion
In a move aimed at boosting social support, the federal government has shared a new proposal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to raise the BISP budget by 20% for the fiscal year 2026. The total allocation will jump to Rs. 716 billion—up from the current year’s budget. This increase not only reflects the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation but also acknowledges the rising inflation and financial stress facing many households in Pakistan.
Although the proposal is still under review by the IMF, it has already created waves of hope among current and potential beneficiaries.
Quarterly Payments May Increase to Rs. 14,500
Perhaps the most exciting part of this announcement is the plan to raise quarterly payments. Currently, beneficiaries receive Rs. 13,500 every three months. If the proposal goes through, starting from January 2026, this amount will rise to Rs. 14,500 per quarter.
This Rs. 1,000 increase per quarter might seem small at first glance, but over the year, it adds up to Rs. 4,000 in extra support. For low-income families, this can make a big difference in managing food expenses, healthcare costs, school fees, and utility bills.
The extra cash support is expected to ease the burden of inflation, especially at a time when basic necessities are becoming more expensive.
700,000 New Families Set to Join the Program
The proposal doesn’t just stop at increasing the budget and payments—it also aims to expand the reach of BISP. An estimated 700,000 new families could be added to the program, which already supports over 9.3 million women across Pakistan.
This expansion will open doors for many deserving families who were left out in previous surveys due to technical errors, missing documents, or eligibility miscalculations. The government’s approach this time appears more inclusive, with a renewed focus on transparency and accessibility.
This means that more families—especially those on the brink of financial collapse—might finally get the assistance they need to survive.
Re-registration Opportunity for Previously Ineligible Women
In another positive development, the government has hinted at a re-registration campaign for women who were previously marked as ineligible or were unable to register due to procedural issues. Many women, particularly in rural areas, were left out in earlier rounds of registration because of missing documentation, errors in the NADRA database, or lack of awareness.
The new proposal includes a re-registration drive aimed at addressing these issues. If approved, this drive could provide a fresh opportunity for many women to access BISP support and uplift their households.
Also Read: BISP Payment Increased to Rs. 14,500 in 2026
Pending IMF Approval: What’s Next?
While the announcement brings hope, it’s important to note that the entire plan still hinges on approval from the International Monetary Fund. The government has formally submitted the proposal, but the IMF’s green light is crucial before any changes are officially implemented.
Once approved, the new structure—including the increased quarterly payment and expanded beneficiary list—is expected to go into effect starting January 2026.
The government is encouraging citizens to stay updated through the official BISP website and not to rely on rumors or unofficial sources.
In Summary:
If the proposal passes, here’s what people can expect starting January 2026:
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Quarterly BISP payment will rise from Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 14,500
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700,000 new families will be added to the program
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A re-registration drive will be launched for previously ineligible women
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Overall BISP budget will increase to Rs. 716 billion
This proposal reflects a significant step toward expanding social protection in Pakistan. If implemented, it could provide vital relief to millions struggling with economic hardship and rising living costs.