Women aged above 35 become eligible for Benazir Income Support Program

Women aged above 35 who remain unmarried will soon be included in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), according to officials who briefed a parliamentary committee on plans to broaden the country’s social protection network.

The development came during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sub-committee, where members discussed concerns regarding eligibility criteria and access to benefits under Pakistan’s largest social welfare program. During the meeting, committee member Bilal Mandokhail highlighted that unmarried women are not currently covered under the program despite facing financial and social challenges in many cases.

He argued that women without family support or a stable source of income are often among the most vulnerable segments of society and should not be excluded from government assistance schemes. Responding to these concerns, BISP officials informed the committee that efforts are underway to include unmarried women aged 35 and above in the program's eligibility framework.

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Officials said the proposed move is aimed at extending financial support to women who lack an independent source of income or adequate family support. The Benazir Income Support Program remains Pakistan’s largest social safety net and provides financial assistance to low-income families across the country.

Authorities have not yet announced detailed procedures regarding registration, implementation, or revised eligibility criteria. Further guidelines are expected once the policy is formally approved and implemented.

The proposed inclusion is being viewed as a significant step towards expanding social protection and ensuring that more vulnerable women receive financial support through government welfare programs.