BISP should be expanded to far-flung areas: President Hussain

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday called for the expansion of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to far-flung areas across the country. 

The president addressing the launching ceremony of ‘BISP Impact Assessment Report’ also desired that programmes should be launched to ensure that the existing beneficiaries are able to stand on their own feet economically.

President Hussain expressed confidence that BISP would secure a prominent place globally if it pays attention to these aspects. He proposed initiation of training programmes for people in backward areas and localities for small businesses.

The President asked BISP management to come out with proposals in the next review report so that new programmes are launched to address the problem of poverty and backwardness.

He expressed satisfaction that under Waseela-e-Taleem programme, 1.3 million children have been registered who will now be able to equip themselves with education and skills.

The President was impressed that BISP has now become one of the biggest programmes of social welfare in South Asia.

“The government has done serious work during the last three and a half years to make the programme more effective,” he remarked.

He said the number of beneficiary families has increased from 1.7 million to 5.5 million and disbursements from just 16 billion to 115 billion rupees annually.

Chairperson BISP Marvi Memon said that financial assistance is being provided to deserving women and increasing their self-confidence and living standards.

She said that World Bank, IMF and other international organizations are monitoring and appreciating the mechanism of BISP.