Benazir Kafalat Program Payments Suspended, Know Full Details. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), launched to fight poverty and financially empower women in Pakistan, has been a vital lifeline for millions of low-income families. Unfortunately, recent developments have caused concern, especially for women in Sindh province. Reports confirm that Benazir Kafalat Program payments have been temporarily suspended in Sindh starting from Monday, leaving thousands of deserving women without access to these funds for basic needs, children’s education, and daily expenses.
Why Were Payments Suspended in Sindh?
The suspension came after a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raid at a BISP campsite in Badin district. During this operation, several BISP representatives and 7–10 retailers were taken into custody, and around Rs 5 million in cash was seized.
The FIA conducted the raid following complaints that some representatives and retailers were making illegal deductions from payments instead of giving the full amount to eligible women. These illegal activities prompted the authorities to take action, but it also affected the smooth distribution of funds to the beneficiaries.
BISP Representatives Protest
Following the FIA operation, BISP representatives protested, claiming that they had not been informed in advance about the raid. They stated that the unannounced operation disrupted the payment system, and many women returned home without receiving their funds. As a result, the representatives decided to halt payments at all campsites in Sindh from Monday in protest.
Important Instructions for Women in Sindh
Women across Sindh are advised not to visit BISP campsites during the suspension period. Until an official notification is issued, beneficiaries should:
- Check the latest updates through their nearest BISP area office.
- Avoid unnecessary trips to campsites that are currently inactive.
- Follow instructions carefully to prevent confusion or inconvenience.
This measure is temporary, and women are requested to stay informed through official channels.
BISP Official Position
A spokesperson for BISP clarified that the agency was not informed prior to the FIA action. The spokesperson emphasized that if the FIA had coordinated with BISP, beneficiaries would not have faced difficulties.
BISP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability. The agency assured the public that no corruption or unauthorized activity will be tolerated, and that the suspension is a temporary measure to maintain integrity in the program.
Payments Also Suspended in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Apart from Sindh, the BISP payment process has been temporarily halted in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). However, women in Buner have the alternative to collect their funds from the nearest retailer, ensuring that they do not face significant disruption in receiving their entitlements.
Payments Continue in Other Provinces
Despite the suspension in Sindh and partial disruption in KPK, payments continue normally in Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad. Women in these provinces can collect their funds from:
- Designated campsites
- Authorized retailer points
This ensures that beneficiaries outside the affected regions continue to receive timely support from the program.
Expected Future Updates
BISP and FIA officials are reportedly in discussions to resume payments in Sindh as soon as possible. Beneficiaries are advised to:
- Verify their payment status through the official 8171 portal
- Check with local BISP offices before visiting campsites
- Wait for official notifications before attempting to collect funds
These steps are crucial to ensure that women receive their full entitlements safely and without confusion.
Quick Overview of the Situation
The recent suspension of Benazir Kafalat Program payments was triggered by a combination of the FIA raid and the protest by program representatives. Key points include:
- FIA operation in Badin: Representatives and retailers detained
- Cash seized: Approximately Rs 5 million
- Payments suspended across Sindh as a protest
- Payments ongoing in other provinces including Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad
- Alternative arrangements in KPK: Funds available via retailers
Why This Situation Matters
The Benazir Kafalat Program plays a vital role in the financial stability of many women and their families. A temporary suspension, although necessary for transparency, directly affects those who rely on these funds for:
- Daily household expenses
- Children’s education
- Health and nutrition needs
Authorities are working to ensure that payments are restored without compromising program integrity.
How Women Can Stay Updated
Beneficiaries of BISP in Sindh and KPK are encouraged to:
- Regularly check the 8171 portal for updates on payments and status
- Contact local BISP offices for accurate guidance
- Avoid visiting inactive campsites to prevent inconvenience
- Stay patient until official instructions are provided
By following these steps, women can ensure that they do not miss their rightful entitlements once payments resume.
Conclusion
The temporary suspension of Benazir Kafalat Program payments in Sindh and partial disruption in KPK is an unfortunate but necessary action to maintain transparency and prevent fraud. BISP is committed to restoring the payment process as soon as possible. Women are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary visits to campsites until the situation is resolved.
This suspension highlights the importance of ensuring integrity in government programs while also emphasizing the need for beneficiaries to stay vigilant and patient. Once resolved, women across Sindh and KPK will receive their full entitlements, continuing the BISP mission of empowering women and reducing poverty.
