The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a widely recognized initiative in Pakistan dedicated to assisting low-income and vulnerable households through direct financial aid and support programs. BISP ensures that funds are distributed transparently to reach the intended beneficiaries, thereby strengthening social protection.
Uganda’s Visit to BISP: Enhancing Transparency
A 21-member Ugandan delegation led by Secretary of Public Service, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, visited Pakistan to study BISP’s approach to social protection. During this four-day tour, they were briefed on BISP’s mechanisms for transparent fund distribution and the socioeconomic factors shaping its initiatives. The delegation explored how BISP effectively uses technology to maintain accurate beneficiary data and deliver funds efficiently, focusing on the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) and both conditional and unconditional cash transfer programs.
Also Read: Benazir Kafalat Program: Updated Payment System and Process for 2025
Key Insights from the Visit
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| NSER Role | Enables data-driven targeting, ensuring aid reaches deserving individuals. |
| Technological Use | Digital payment systems enhance transparency and streamline fund transfers. |
| Community Impact | Programs like Nashonuma Center support mothers and children, enhancing health and welfare outcomes. |
| Women’s Empowerment | BISP is recognized for its focus on empowering women, providing financial independence to improve household stability. |
Observing Dynamic Registration and Health Facilitation
As part of the field experience, the Ugandan team visited BISP’s Dynamic Registration Center and the Nashonuma Health Facilitation Center in Murree. These centers are crucial in updating beneficiary information and offering health services to mothers and children. Ms. Mbonye praised BISP’s digital registration system and its targeted outreach efforts, calling it a robust model for data-driven social support and women’s empowerment.
Positive Feedback from the Ugandan Delegation
Ms. Mbonye highlighted BISP’s effective use of technology, calling it a benchmark for transparent and inclusive social protection. She expressed the potential for Uganda to adopt similar measures to create a more efficient poverty reduction system. Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, expressed optimism about this collaboration, noting that shared knowledge can lead to strengthened social welfare programs worldwide.
Conclusion
The Ugandan delegation’s visit underscores BISP’s role as an exemplary model in social support, showing how transparency, digital systems, and targeted outreach can strengthen assistance for vulnerable populations. This international collaboration has laid the groundwork for other nations to learn from BISP’s effective strategies, particularly in women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation.
