KARACHI: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) got a huge impetus after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) welcomed an increase in its budget and termed it a positive step towards social protection in Pakistan.
As per official information, the IMF appreciated the government’s move to improve financial support for the Benazir Income Support Programme and further recommended an increase in support through the Benazir Kafalat Programme. The IMF stated that financial assistance in cash support in Kafalat is lower compared to international benchmarks.
“The Pakistan government,” it stated, “has launched measures to further support social safety nets through increased expenditure on BISP.
” Additionally, it explained: “Benefits are being increased to support the poor in maintaining their purchasing power in the face of rising prices.” As part of this updated plan, expenditures on assistance programs under BISP have increased by 20 percent. As a consequence, cash payments in support of families under the Kafalat Program will increase.
As per the new proposal, the unconditional cash transfer will be increased from Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 14,500. As reported by the IMF, this will help bring at least 200,000 additional families into the coverage of this social security scheme.
Through fiscal year 2026, the total number of beneficiary families is targeted to reach 10.2 million. The IMF further recommended taking another look at the amounts of assistance being given in light of another household survey planned for 2026.
The fund recommended an increase in Kafalat support to nearly 15 percent of consumption levels in low-income households. Additionally, it recommended continuation of inflation-linked increases and increased access to conditional cash transfer programs under the Benazir Income Support Programs.
The IMF emphasized a critical need to make full use of the finances allocated in the Conditional Cash Transfer to improve benefits for affected families.
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