IMF delegation appreciates BISP's performance

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to discuss matters of mutual interest the at BISP headquarters in Islamabad.

The head of IMF delegation, Mr. Harald Finger appreciated the vision and work of BISP for improving the socio-economic conditions of the poor. He added that continuity of funds for BISP is critical for effective implementation of its initiatives.

“We’re in much favor of social protection. We hope that more such initiatives will be launched by BISP to enhance quality of life of poor women,” said Finger.

Secretary BISP Mr. Omar Hamid Khan welcomed the delegation and stated that IMF has been a reliable partner of government of Pakistan. He shared that BISP has completed 10 years of its journey and introduced several complimentary initiatives, apart from its core unconditional cash transfer programme.

The delegation was briefed on various initiatives, programmes and activities of BISP as well as its national and international partnerships. They were also apprised of the public private partnerships of BISP which have contributed towards innovative approaches of tackling poverty and providing opportunities to vulnerable women to seek socio-economic empowerment. It was specifically mentioned that IMF termed BISP as a highly satisfactory programme under its 12th Programme Review in 2017 under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The delegation was informed that 2.4 million children have been enrolled in schools under the Waseela-e-Taleem programme. They were also briefed on the future plans of BISP where it intends to bring in 8 million beneficiaries in its fold after update of the National Socio Economic Registry.

Secretary BISP presented souvenirs to the visiting delegation and hoped that IMF will continue to support pro-poor initiatives of government of Pakistan.

The delegation comprised of Mr. Harald Finger, Advisor & Team Leader; Ms. Terresa Dabansanche, Resident Representative IMF Islamabad, Mr. Ricardo Llaudes, Senior Economist, Washington DC and Ms. Hiba Zaidi, Senior Research Associate.