Islamabad, July 9, 2026: The Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety held its 17th meeting today at 11:00 am in the Constitution Room, 2nd Floor, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur. The meeting was convened to scrutinize the BISP digital wallet interoperability, its participant banks compliance enforcement, beneficiaries’ compensation, and administrative restructuring.

 

The Committee offered Fateha for the sad demise of Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety Mother. A substantial portion of the deliberations centred on the digital transformation of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), particularly the interoperability of beneficiary accounts and the official launch of the Social Protection Digital Wallet. The Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) apprised the committee that the financial burden of interoperability would be borne by the beneficiaries themselves. He further outlined a definitive roadmap, confirming that HBL and HBL Microfinance Bank will operationalize interoperability by July 16th, 2026, followed by Telenor Microfinance Bank on July 20th, with all six participating banks completing the integration by July 31st, 2026.

 

In a significant clarification, the Deputy Governor emphasized that transaction charges would only apply to cash withdrawals, whereas online transfers and RAAST fund transfers would remain entirely free of charge. The committee was also informed that the complete digitalization and mandated online functionality of BISP beneficiary accounts is scheduled for December 31, 2026. Responding to queries regarding the unannounced absence of Point-of-Sale (POS) staff, a representative from HBL stated that 77 out of 104 dedicated staff members are currently serving in Gujarat district, with 35 percent of the total disbursement target already accomplished.

 

The committee expressed concern over what it perceived as a lack of public awareness regarding the Social Protection Digital Wallet and contractual deficiencies on the part of BISP in enforcing bank compliance. Consequently, the committee directed the Secretary BISP to establish a robust implementation mechanism and to ensure that banks are providing adequate on-site POS agents and facilitation for beneficiaries. In response, the Secretary BISP affirmed that a district-wise report on bank performance would be submitted to the committee, underscoring the collective effort that made interoperability feasible.

 

In a detailed briefing on the cost structure for beneficiaries, the SBP Deputy Governor clarified that the transaction cost would be fixed at Rs. 280, with a schedule of charges to be notified by the State Bank every six months. The committee instructed BISP to present a comprehensive report on its media awareness campaign and directed the programme to coordinate with the six participating banks to launch social media campaigns utilizing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets. While acknowledging the progress made, the committee commended the SBP and the standing committee’s leadership for effectively structuring the country’s social protection framework.

 

Addressing the tragic incident at a Mobilink Microfinance/Jazz Cash BISP payment distribution centre in Rahim Yar Khan on March 16, 2026, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, the committee was informed that BISP had penalized Mobilink Microfinance Bank. Compensation of Rs. 2 million has been disbursed to the families of each deceased individual, along with Rs. 500,000 for medical treatment of the injured, with the amount being recovered from the bank’s share. Moreover, the committee noted with concern the inadequate accessibility for disabled individuals at banking facilities, prompting the State Bank to commit to conducting a comprehensive accessibility and disability audit of all bank branches.

 

On administrative matters, the committee learned that BISP is currently operating with 134 employees on deputation and 17 consultants, facing severe constraints in permanent staffing due to federal austerity measures. The committee directed the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation to submit a summary to the Finance Division and the concerned Austerity Committee within two weeks to seek necessary exemptions.

 

Discussions also encompassed the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, with the committee noting that Shaikh Zayed Medical College Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan lacks requisite facilities for cochlear implants, and the Woman Empowerment Centre in Khangarh Tehsil remains non-operational due to infrastructure, manpower and Human Resource deficiencies. Consequently, the committee proposed a temporary arrangement in Muzaffargarh to ensure uninterrupted services. Finally, the Committee directed that questions pertaining to the BISP and its beneficiaries of Committee members will be included in the agenda for the committee's next session.

 

The Committee was attended by the following Members of the National Assembly: Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Makhdoom Tahir Rashid Ud din, Mr. Mohammad Ilyas Choudhary, Ms. Naima Kanwal and Mr. Arshad Abdullah Vohra. Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety Mr. Imran Ahmed Shah, Managing Director Pakistan Bait ul Maal Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt, Secretary BISP and senior officers from Ministry and TVO were also in attendance.