‘Government introducing Digital Wallet System to make BISP financial assistance more transparent’

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the BISP Tehsil Offices Town-1 and Town-2 in Peshawar to review the distribution of free mobile SIMs to beneficiary women under the newly introduced Digital Wallet System.
During the visit, the Chairperson interacted with beneficiary women, listened to their concerns, and provided detailed guidance on the Digital Wallet System, the procedure for obtaining free Benazir SIMs, SIM activation and the new payment mechanism.
Speaking to the media, Senator Rubina Khalid said that, in line with the vision of the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan is introducing the Digital Wallet System to make BISP financial assistance more transparent, secure and convenient for beneficiary women. She acknowledged that, as with any new system, some operational challenges may arise during the initial phase; however, once fully implemented, the system will provide significant convenience and long-term benefits to deserving women.
The Chairperson stated that under the new system, every beneficiary woman will have her own personal Digital Wallet account, into which financial assistance will be transferred directly. Beneficiaries will receive an SMS notification once the funds are credited to their accounts, and another message confirming the amount withdrawn after the transaction. This system will help eliminate unauthorized deductions, enhance transparency and give women complete ownership and control over their financial assistance.
Senator Rubina Khalid urged beneficiary women to avoid unnecessary rush at payment points, emphasizing that once the funds have been transferred to their Digital Wallet accounts, they will remain secure and can be withdrawn at any time. She said there is no need for haste or anxiety, as beneficiaries will be able to collect their payments at their convenience from the nearest authorized retailer on any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.
She further clarified that all beneficiary women must obtain their free Benazir SIMs only from BISP offices. They should not acquire SIMs from shops or homes, as only SIMs issued through BISP offices will be valid for the Digital Wallet System.
The Chairperson also instructed beneficiaries to bring their original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and their mobile phone when visiting BISP offices to receive the SIM, so that it can be inserted into their phone and activated immediately. She stressed that the Digital Wallet facility cannot be activated without completing the SIM activation process.
She also advised beneficiary women never to hand over their mobile phones to any retailer or payment agent while collecting their payments. She explained that payment requires only verification of the original CNIC, confirmation of the registered mobile number and biometric verification. No retailer or agent needs to handle the beneficiary’s mobile phone.
Senator Rubina Khalid stated that, under the previous payment mechanism, many women had complained that they were required to return to their home district or visit designated payment centres to receive their assistance. With the introduction of the Digital Wallet and interoperability system, beneficiaries will be able to withdraw their financial assistance from any authorized retailer of partner banks in any city across Pakistan. This reform will save them time, travel costs and unnecessary inconvenience while making the payment process more accessible, secure and empowering.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, Senator Rubina Khalid said that, with the collective support of BISP, the media and the public, the Digital Wallet System will be implemented successfully and will bring lasting benefits to millions of deserving women across the country.