PM Shehbaz Unveils 10 Million Digital Wallets for BISP Beneficiaries, Calls It a Leap Towards Cashless Pakistan
Islamabad – August 25, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday rolled out 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), hailing the initiative as a “historic milestone” that will transform financial aid distribution in Pakistan.
Inaugurating the system with a symbolic palm touch, the premier was joined by federal ministers, BISP officials, and international development partners including GIZ. He congratulated BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and all stakeholders for a decision that ensures genuine recipients are protected from exploitation and unnecessary hurdles.
“The digital wallet system is a true tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. It empowers women with safe, transparent, and direct access to assistance, ending leakages and corruption,” Shehbaz said.
Highlighting that BISP plays a vital role in poverty reduction and employment generation, he added that digitisation will accelerate Pakistan’s shift towards a cashless economy. The Prime Minister recalled that during Ramazan, 78% of the relief package was successfully disbursed digitally, proving the efficiency of the system despite skepticism.
Shehbaz urged BISP leadership to link financial aid with education and healthcare conditionalities. “If families are supported, children must attend school, and healthcare should also be a condition. This way, BISP will not just give aid but create long-term empowerment,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister also directed officials to reduce implementation time from 10 months to 4 months and paid tribute to institutions such as the State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of IT, local banks, and international partners for their contribution.
According to BISP Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed, the programme will use beneficiaries’ CNICs and biometric verification to issue wallets, preventing identity theft. In addition, 10 million free SIM cards will be distributed, with the first phase already underway in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Senator Rubina Khalid described the launch as “a landmark step in women’s economic empowerment”, adding that linking benefits to women’s CNICs ensures recognition in national records. She confirmed that digital literacy training for women will also be introduced.
Officials also revealed that the government is working on a digital public infrastructure integrating CNICs, biometrics, and mobile numbers for secure transactions. Provincial governments are being directed to expand the Raast digital payment system at district levels, while new fibre connectivity projects are underway with the Pakistan Railways and National Highway Authority.
This launch underscores Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation, financial transparency, and women empowerment, with Shehbaz Sharif reiterating his vision of a “Digital Pakistan built on a strong cashless economy.”