For years, millions of women in Pakistan faced challenges in accessing their financial aid under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). Long queues, delayed payments, and unfair deductions often made life harder for the most vulnerable. But now, there’s a game-changing development. Big Relief for Women: Govt Launches 10 Million Digital Wallets Under BISP, allowing women to receive funds directly into their personal mobile wallets. Alongside this, free SIM cards and biometric verification will ensure transparency, safety, and empowerment. This historic step by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government is not just about financial aid—it’s about building a cashless, transparent, and inclusive economy where women finally get control over their own money.
What is the BISP Digital Wallet Initiative?
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has launched a new digital wallet scheme for 10 million women beneficiaries. Each eligible woman will now have a:
- Free SIM card activated in her name.
- Mobile wallet account connected to her CNIC.
- Biometric verification system for secure transactions.
Instead of standing in line or depending on third parties, women will directly receive financial assistance into their mobile wallets.
Why This Initiative Matters for Women
Financial exclusion has long been a challenge in Pakistan. Many women have little or no access to formal banking. This step is vital because:
- Direct payments eliminate middlemen and unfair deductions.
- Transparency reduces chances of fraud or corruption.
- Empowerment allows women to manage funds independently.
- Ease of access makes it possible to withdraw or use funds anytime.
- Integration with digital economy supports cashless transactions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called this a “historic milestone” in women empowerment and social protection.
How Will the BISP Digital Wallet Work?
Step 1: SIM Registration
Each beneficiary will get a free SIM card, registered in her own name.
Step 2: Wallet Activation
The SIM will be linked with a mobile wallet account (through JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or similar platforms).
Step 3: Biometric Verification
CNIC and biometric verification will secure the account, preventing fraud.
Step 4: Fund Transfer
Government payments will be directly transferred to the wallet.
Step 5: Easy Access
Women can withdraw money from agents, ATMs, or use it for digital transactions.
Geographic Rollout
The initiative has started from Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan, with plans to expand nationwide. This phased rollout ensures smooth implementation and addresses early challenges before scaling.
Impact on Financial Inclusion
Pakistan struggles with financial inclusion, especially for women. According to the State Bank, only a fraction of women own bank accounts. By opening 10 million wallets, the government is bridging a massive gap. This move also aligns with Pakistan’s digital transformation goals and supports the vision of a cashless economy.
Challenges Ahea
While the initiative is historic, challenges exist:
- Ensuring digital literacy among women.
- Building trust in digital systems.
- Expanding agent networks for withdrawals.
- Addressing connectivity issues in remote areas.
The government and telecom partners must work together to address these issues.
Benefits Beyond Cash Transfers
This initiative is not only about aid distribution. With mobile wallets, women can:
- Save money digitally.
- Pay bills and school fees online.
- Receive remittances directly.
- Participate in e-commerce and small businesses.
This opens new opportunities for entrepreneurship and long-term empowerment.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the BISP digital wallet?
All registered BISP beneficiaries will automatically be eligible for the new digital wallet system.
Q2. Will women have to pay for the SIM card?
No, the SIM card provided under this scheme will be completely free of cost.
Q3. How can women withdraw money from the wallet?
Funds can be withdrawn via mobile money agents, ATMs, or partner outlets across the country.
Q4. Is biometric verification mandatory?
Yes, biometric verification ensures that only the rightful beneficiary can access the funds, reducing fraud.
Q5. Which telecom partners are involved?
The rollout has begun with Jazz/Mobilink, but expansion to other networks is expected.
Q6. Can beneficiaries use wallets for other transactions?
Yes, women can use the wallet for bill payments, savings, and digital purchases.
Q7. When will the program expand nationwide?
The initial phase has started in selected cities, and full national rollout is expected by the end of 2025.
