The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has launched a nationwide awareness and training campaign to educate women beneficiaries about its new digital payment system, aiming to improve access to financial assistance and make the payment process more convenient. The initiative focuses on helping beneficiaries understand how to receive and withdraw their payments through authorised retailers of partner banks across Pakistan. Under the system, women can withdraw their funds after receiving a payment confirmation SMS, allowing them to access their assistance without being restricted to a designated payment centre. The campaign is also intended to prepare BISP staff to guide beneficiaries through the updated payment process and address common challenges associated with digital transactions.
Speaking at the opening training session, BISP Additional Secretary Dr Asmat Nawaz highlighted the importance of staff training, capacity building and public awareness for the effective implementation of the digital payment system. He explained that its interoperability feature would allow beneficiaries to withdraw their payments from authorised retailers of participating banks in any city across the country. This arrangement is expected to reduce dependence on specific payment locations, minimise travel expenses and make financial assistance more accessible to women in different regions. The ability to access payments through a wider network of authorised retailers could also provide greater flexibility for beneficiaries who previously faced difficulties reaching designated collection points.
A key component of the awareness campaign is educating beneficiaries about digital wallets, mobile phone security and the protection of transaction-related information. BISP has instructed its staff to explain how women can safeguard their mobile phones and SIM cards, retain payment confirmation messages and ensure they receive their full entitled amounts. These measures are important as digital payment systems become more widely used to distribute government assistance. Beneficiaries need clear guidance on recognising legitimate transactions, protecting their personal information and seeking help if they encounter payment problems. Dr Asmat Nawaz also made it clear that unauthorised deductions from beneficiaries’ payments would not be tolerated, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability throughout the payment process.
BISP has advised women facing payment-related complaints to contact its helpline at 0800-26477 or visit their relevant tehsil office for assistance. The programme also acknowledged support from UNICEF’s Social Policy Section in organising the training activities. The campaign represents part of the broader shift towards digital delivery of social assistance in Pakistan, where accessible payment channels and beneficiary awareness are essential to effective implementation. While digital payments can reduce travel requirements and offer greater flexibility, their success will depend on reliable service delivery, secure transactions, accessible complaint mechanisms and adequate guidance for users with limited digital experience. Continued training and monitoring will therefore be important in ensuring that women beneficiaries can access their financial assistance safely, receive the full amounts due to them and understand the procedures for resolving payment-related issues.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
