BISP warns of legal action under PECA over ‘baseless allegations’

Benazir Income Support Programme is Pakistan's Largest Social Protection Programme Recognized Globally as a Successful Model; Attempts by Certain Elements to Undermine Its Reputation for Narrow Personal or Political Interests Are Condemnable; BISP Reserves the Right to Initiate Legal Proceedings under the PECA Act against Baseless Allegations and Political Point Scoring; The Programme Operates under the Highest Standards of Transparency and Accountability; President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Have Full Confidence in BISP; BISP Should Not Be Used for Political Purposes: BISP Spokesperson

The spokesperson for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stated that BISP is Pakistan's premier national social protection programme, widely recognized both nationally and internationally as a successful model for its transparency, efficient service delivery and timely provision of financial assistance to deserving households. Delegations and development partners from across the world regularly visit Pakistan to study and learn from the Programme's successful practices and operational model.

It is regrettable to say that certain elements have recently attempted to damage the reputation of the Benazir Income Support Programme for their narrow-minded personal or political interests. Such actions are strongly condemned. Millions of deserving women and families are benefiting from this national programme. Targeting BISP through baseless allegations or political point scoring is a criminal act, and the Programme reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), wherever applicable. All individuals are urged to refrain from making unfounded allegations against this important national institution.

The Programme is implemented in accordance with the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Its financial and administrative affairs are subject to regular audits, robust monitoring mechanisms and oversight by international development partners, reflecting the strength, credibility and integrity of its systems.

The President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, have full confidence in the Programme's transparent and effective service delivery mechanism. The use of BISP's beneficiary database during the Ramadan Relief Package, the COVID-19 emergency and flood relief operations is a clear manifestation of this confidence.

The Benazir Income Support Programme appeals to political and social stakeholders, as well as the media, to discourage attempts to exploit this vital national institution for political purposes. Protecting the credibility of national institutions is a collective responsibility so that deserving women and their families may continue to benefit from the Programme with dignity and without interruption. PR