BISP Launches Mobile Wallet Model for Digital Payments
ISLAMABAD - The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan's flagship social safety net, has officially launched its Mobile Wallet Payment Model, a landmark initiative designed to transition millions of its beneficiaries to a cashless economy and enhance the transparency and dignity of social protection payments. The historic project, which has received crucial support from the German government and the European Union, was unveiled at a high-level workshop in Islamabad.
The new model will introduce "social protection wallets," secure digital tools aimed at providing direct financial support to the program's millions of women beneficiaries, empowering them with greater financial independence. The launch was attended by key government figures, including BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, who hailed the move as a transformative step towards a digital Pakistan.
A Paradigm Shift: From Cash to Cashless
The launch of the Mobile Wallet Payment Model represents a fundamental shift in how Pakistan delivers social protection. For years, BISP has been a lifeline for the nation's most vulnerable families, but its traditional cash disbursement system has faced challenges. The workshop, titled “Transition to Cashless Economy: BISP Mobile Wallets Payment Model,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to map out the future of digital payments.
Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, emphasized that this initiative is a "national priority." He cited the recent successful distribution of the Prime Minister’s Ramzan Package via mobile wallets as a powerful proof of concept. "Digital payments complement the Prime Minister’s larger vision for a cashless economy while bringing transparency, efficiency, and dignity," he added.
Empowering Women: The Core of the New Policy
At the heart of this new initiative is a powerful focus on women's financial empowerment. The mobile wallet system is designed to deepen this commitment by giving women more control, security, and choice over their finances.
BISP Chairperson, Senator Rubina Khalid, underscored this mission, stating that the new model was developed under the direct guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari. "We are trying to prioritize transparency and dignity in how support is delivered," she announced.
She also unveiled another key milestone: "Our pilot for direct bank account opening begins on August 14—a milestone in digital empowerment." Senator Khalid highlighted several safeguards, including the fact that "every woman must have the right to select her preferred bank" and receive payments through secure biometric verification.
More Than a Payment Tool
BISP Secretary Aamer Ali Ahmad framed the new system as a "leap toward financial inclusion." He articulated that these digital tools are far more than just a method for transferring money.
"These are not just payment tools; they represent mobility, dignity, and economic freedom for women," Ahmad stated. For many women in rural and low-income communities, this will be their first direct interaction with the formal banking sector. Recognizing that technology alone is not enough, Ahmad also made an urgent appeal to all stakeholders to support financial and digital literacy programs.
Following the main session, a high-level panel discussion was held, featuring representatives from the development sector, the banking industry, and the telecom industry. The discussion highlighted the need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to ensure a successful nationwide rollout. Telecom companies, banks, and development partners will all play a crucial role in building the necessary infrastructure and support systems.
The launch of the BISP Mobile Wallet Payment Model is a significant milestone in Pakistan's journey towards a digital and more inclusive future, with the potential to transform the lives of millions of the country's most vulnerable citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the BISP Mobile Wallet Payment Model?
The BISP Mobile Wallet Payment Model is a new initiative to move the program's cash support system to a digital, cashless platform. It will provide beneficiaries with secure "social protection wallets" on their mobile phones to receive payments directly.
2. Why is BISP shifting to a digital payment system?
The primary goals are to increase transparency, improve efficiency, and provide a more dignified and secure way for beneficiaries, who are mostly women, to receive their financial support. It is part of a larger national vision for a cashless economy.
3. Can a beneficiary choose her own bank for the mobile wallet?
Yes. A key feature of the new policy, as announced by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, is that every woman will have the right to select her preferred bank for opening her mobile wallet or bank account.
4. When will the direct bank account opening pilot begin?
Senator Rubina Khalid announced that the pilot program for opening direct bank accounts for BISP beneficiaries is set to begin on August 14, 2025.
5. How will the payments be secured?
All payments made through the new mobile wallet and bank account system will be protected by a secure biometric verification process. This ensures that the funds can only be accessed by the intended beneficiary.
6. What is being done to help beneficiaries use this new technology?
BISP Secretary Aamer Ali Ahmad has made an urgent call to all stakeholders, including development partners and financial institutions, to support comprehensive **financial and digital literacy programs** to ensure no one is left behind in the transition.