Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid on Friday visited the BISP Central Zonal Office Punjab in Lahore, where she shared key updates on the launch of the Social Protection Wallet, free SIM distribution and direct digital payments for women.

Addressing a press conference, Senator Rubina Khalid said that under special directives of the President and Prime Minister, the Social Protection Wallet has been formally launched to ensure transparency, ease and dignity in financial assistance. She stated that BISP is currently providing financial support to 10 million deserving women across Pakistan, making it the largest social protection and women-focused digital inclusion programme in the country’s history.

She revealed that nearly 50 percent of the free SIM distribution process has already been completed. These SIMs will enable the creation of digital wallets through which financial assistance will be transferred directly to beneficiaries, eliminating the need for repeated visits to centres or offices.

The BISP chairperson strongly clarified that the SIMs are completely free of cost and are being issued only through official BISP offices and centres. She warned that no fee is charged for any BISP service and urged women to protect their SIMs just like cash, as all future payments will be made through these digital wallets.

Also Read: UAE president’s Pakistan visit sparks fresh push for trade, investment ties

Senator Rubina Khalid also recalled Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto ahead of her death anniversary, calling her a global symbol of courage and women’s empowerment. She highlighted the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, launched to promote skills and economic self-reliance, quoting Benazir Bhutto’s words: “Skill is your asset.”

Later, she visited SIM distribution centres in Sabzazar, Ali Raza Abad and Shalamar Bhagwan Pura, directing staff to ensure full guidance and support for beneficiaries.