The BISP is aimed to enhance its social programs and digital infrastructure. The BISP and BMGF will explore integrating family planning services into existing programs to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. BISP is exploring collaborations with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to leverage their expertise and funding for poverty reduction and development initiatives.

The BISP, under the leadership of Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmed, participated in a series of important strategic meetings arranged by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) with multiple partners in London in November 20-22nd, 2024, sources said.

The collaborations aim to streamline cash transfer processes, expand maternal and child health programs, empower women economically, and promote family planning. With these partnerships, BISP aims to create a sustainable impact on the lives of millions of Pakistanis.

The key highlights of these meetings are that BISP aims to leverage the Raast payment system to streamline cash transfer processes, ensuring greater efficiency and accessibility for beneficiaries. A pilot project in different districts is set to be launched in the near future. BISP and BMGF will collaborate to expand maternal and child health programs, including the Nashonuma program, adolescent nutrition initiatives, and the introduction of innovative technologies like AI-enabled point-of-care ultrasound.

The two organizations will work together to scale up women’s economic empowerment programs, focusing on skills development, job creation, and financial inclusion.