Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), one of the most important programs to assist Pakistan’s most needy families, is now under severe public scrutiny. In numerous cities and towns, recipients—particularly women—are complaining about illegal levies at retail disbursement centers. These centers are designed to facilitate cash payouts. But some are taking undue advantage of individuals who depend on every rupee.
Let’s deconstruct what’s not working and how BISP is attempting to correct it.
Retailers Deducting Money Without Reason
Most of the BISP recipients complain they are not getting their due amount. Payout shop agents are deducting some amount from their money without issuing receipts or any proper cause. Women in a few instances allege they have lost as much as Rs. 11,000 on a single trip. These incidents have been reported from various locations such as Karachi, Rajanpur, Badin, Khanewal, and Sargodha.
A majority of the women victimized are too scared to report it. They fear they will be removed from the program or lose future payments if they make reports. This silence has made it easier for corrupt agents to continue cheating poor families.
Harassment and Long Waits
In addition to illegal deductions, beneficiaries also complain of mistreatment. They are advised to wait for hours in poor conditions. Some women have reported that they were summoned to private rooms and made to feel uncomfortable or intimidated. In other worse scenarios, agents are reported to demand bribes before issuing payments.
Such behavior is not just unjust but also risky, particularly to vulnerable women who are simply attempting to retrieve the money they rely on for their survival.
System Errors and Untrained Staff
Technical problems at such centers further exacerbate the situation. Shops have a single device or two that can be used to cater to hundreds of individuals. Machines are prone to breakdowns, fingerprints fail to scan, and officers are unaware of how to repair it. Rather than resolving the issue, women are sent away with no solution.
Why This Problem Matters
BISP offers life-saving assistance to poor households all over Pakistan. The majority of its recipients are widows, jobless women, and below poverty line families. When their payments are illegally deducted, it impacts their capacity to purchase food, medicine, or even the education of children.
Even minor cuts count. If citizens lose faith in the system, they will cease to utilize it. That negates the very purpose of the program and leaves those who need it most with no assistance.
What BISP Is Doing to Stop This
Fortunately, BISP has not remained mum. The organization has acted on complaints.
Arrests and Legal Action
More than 20 individuals have been taken into custody so far, including agents and even some of the involved officials. The arrests are a firm message that fraud will not be accepted.
Blocking Devices
Over 500 agent devices have been blocked to prevent further abuse. Once a complaint is verified, the device is switched off immediately.
Surprise Monitoring Visits
Field monitoring groups are currently making surprise visits to centers. The visits assist in detecting agents who are not complying with regulations or treating beneficiaries harshly.
Blacklisting Retailers
Merchants caught cheating are blacklisted and prohibited from participating in the program again in the future.
Biometric & Receipt System
BISP has also brought biometric scans and printed vouchers so that payments reach the intended person. As much as this system enhances security, it also requires constant monitoring in order to prevent new shenanigans by unscrupulous agents.
FAQs from Beneficiaries
Can I have someone else collect my payment?
No. You need to come with your own CNIC and fingerprint to get money. It’s a personal and secure system.
What can I do if my payment is low?
Request a receipt immediately. Then, contact the BISP helpline (0800-26477) or visit your nearest BISP office.
Why won’t my fingerprints scan?
Attempt to clean your thumb and dry it before scanning. If there are issues still, BISP staff are trained to assist.
Are all BISP messages genuine?
Only act on official messages from number 8171. Be wary of spurious messages requesting funds.
What Can You Do?
If you are a beneficiary of the BISP or someone you know is, follow these steps to safeguard yourself:
- Shop only from authentic retailers
- Never give extra charges or bribes
- Always demand a printed receipt
- Guard your CNIC and biometric data
- Report any fraud to the helpline or local BISP office
- Make your voice heard—speak out
Final Thoughts
The BISP scheme is designed to provide dignity and assistance to Pakistan’s most needy citizens. But when that pledge is betrayed by unauthorized deductions and abuse, it’s the poor who are hurt most.
Recent developments involving BISP indicate that the organization is keen to sanitize the system. But change will come only through transparency, accountability, and the public courage to assert rights.
If you are impacted, do not remain silent. Stand up for your rights, and assist in making the system more equitable for all.
Disclaimer: The article is solely for information purposes and not affiliated with any government department. For official news, visit the BISP official website or call their helpline.