ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has established a subcommittee to enhance oversight of the Benazir Income Support Programme’s (BISP) new payment disbursement model.
During a meeting held at the BISP headquarters and chaired by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, committee members discussed critical issues related to the country’s social protection system.
The newly formed subcommittee will oversee the implementation of the revised payment mechanism, ensuring it operates with transparency, efficiency, and fairness.
MNA Ahmed Atteeq Anwar provided a detailed briefing on the findings of a previous subcommittee, which were unanimously acknowledged and approved for their thorough assessment.
Expressing concern over the absence of the Secretary of the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, the committee instructed that any future absences must be formally communicated in advance.
Additionally, the committee approved the Zakat and Ushr (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by MNA Shazia Marri. The legislation aims to enhance the distribution and management of Zakat funds, marking a significant step in streamlining financial assistance for the underprivileged.
The Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) briefed the committee on its operational framework and an upcoming nationwide awareness campaign. He also announced a new food distribution initiative in collaboration with 33 private vendors and invited committee members to visit PBM’s call center to observe its operations.
During the session, concerns were raised about the lack of a dedicated BISP cadre and ongoing staff shortages. Since 2012, a government-imposed hiring freeze has forced the organization to depend largely on deputationists. In response, the committee directed the BISP Secretary to present a comprehensive staffing proposal to the government for consideration.
