Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the introduction of digital wallets under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling it a landmark step in Pakistan’s digital transformation. Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad on Monday, the premier emphasized that the initiative would not only accelerate the country’s shift toward a cashless economy but also curb corruption by ensuring greater transparency in welfare disbursements.
At the event, beneficiaries were also provided with free mobile SIMs to facilitate access to digital financial services. The prime minister congratulated BISP Chairman Senator Rubina Khalid, the programme’s secretary, and all stakeholders for their role in achieving this milestone, highlighting that the move reflects the government’s commitment to integrating technology into governance and social welfare systems.
Shehbaz Sharif underscored that digital wallets will play a transformative role in reducing poverty and unemployment by empowering citizens with direct, secure, and convenient access to financial assistance. By shifting away from manual cash disbursements, the programme aims to eliminate opportunities for leakages and malpractice, thereby ensuring that the most deserving individuals receive their full entitlement without intermediaries.
The prime minister recalled that during the last Ramadan, BISP had distributed funds digitally for the first time, a development he described as a turning point for Pakistan’s social protection initiatives. He stressed that the adoption of digital wallets now represents a continuation of that progress and a foundation for broader financial inclusion. According to him, the system will not only make welfare transactions safer and faster but also reduce the costs and delays associated with manual processes.
“Digital wallets are a big step toward a cashless economy,” Shehbaz remarked during his address. “The sooner we adopt this system, the faster Pakistan will progress. It saves time, accelerates processes, and helps eliminate corruption.” He added that the government remains committed to expanding the reach of digital financial services as part of its economic reform agenda.
The initiative is also aligned with Pakistan’s broader efforts to modernize its digital payments infrastructure and encourage greater use of financial technology (fintech) solutions across the economy. By linking social welfare disbursements with digital wallets, the government is seeking to strengthen both governance and financial inclusion, allowing beneficiaries to use funds more flexibly for essential goods and services.
Industry experts have welcomed the development, noting that digital wallets integrated with BISP will enhance transparency in public spending while promoting digital literacy among lower-income households. They argue that such initiatives are essential for creating trust in digital finance and laying the groundwork for a more robust cashless ecosystem in Pakistan.
The launch of BISP digital wallets also highlights the government’s strategy to encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors, particularly in leveraging telecom operators and financial institutions to deliver last-mile services. The distribution of free mobile SIMs is a key part of this strategy, ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped with the tools needed to engage with digital systems effectively.
As Pakistan works to overcome economic challenges and strengthen social protection, the introduction of digital wallets under BISP is being seen as a significant step toward building a transparent, efficient, and inclusive financial system. The success of the program could set a precedent for future welfare initiatives, further embedding digital solutions into governance structures.
