WB delegation visits BISP One-Window Facilitation Center

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): A high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr. Ousmane Dione, Regional Vice President for MENAAP (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) One Window Facilitation Center in G-7, Islamabad, today. The purpose of the visit was to review the comprehensive range of services and support provided to BISP beneficiaries under one roof.
The delegation was warmly received by Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid; Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmed; and Additional Secretary, Dr. Asmat Nawaz. The visiting delegation included Ms. Fadia M. Saadah, Regional Practice Director MENAAP; Ms. Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director MENAAP; Ms. Lobna Hadji, Special Assistant to the Regional Vice President; Ms. Bolormaa Amgaabazar, Country Director WB Pakistan; Mr. Gailius Draugelis, Manager Operations; Mr. Amjad Zafar; Ms. Hina Lotia; Mr. Omar Riaz; Mr. Waleed Anwar; and Mr. Zeeshan Ahmed Sheikh.
During her welcome address, Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, expressed profound gratitude to the World Bank for its transformative partnership and emphasized the importance of further strengthening it. She highlighted that BISP is the realization of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, conceived during her exile in Dubai. Chairperson Rubina Khalid noted that by making the CNIC a mandatory requirement, BISP has empowered millions of marginalized women in Pakistan and facilitated their inclusion in the national database. She also informed the delegation that a pilot project is being launched in major cities of Pakistan to open bank accounts for beneficiaries.
Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmed, briefed the delegation on the organization’s core initiatives and newly launched programs. He underscored BISP’s efforts in promoting financial inclusion through the adoption of digital banking services for beneficiaries.
Following the briefing, the Chairperson and Secretary gave the delegation a tour of the One Window Center and briefed them on various service counters, including Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Nashonuma Awareness, Payment Mechanism, Saving Scheme, and Digital & Financial Literacy. The visitors interacted with beneficiaries and observed firsthand the efficient, beneficiary-centric services offered at the facility.
The visiting delegation commended BISP’s pivotal role in delivering both conditional and unconditional cash transfer programs to the most vulnerable populations. They particularly acknowledged the adoption of digital payment systems and the program’s focus on nutrition and female education.