BISP Celebrates Independence Day, Launches Nationwide Green Pakistan Drive
ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) held a ceremony at its headquarters to commemorate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, featuring a tree plantation drive, celebrations with children, recognition of flood-relief volunteers and prayers for the country’s peace and prosperity.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz, senior officials, employees, beneficiary families and children enrolled in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme attended the ceremony.
The event began with Senator Rubina Khalid planting a sapling at BISP headquarters, formally launching the “Green Pakistan, Benazir Pakistan” Tree Plantation Campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, the BISP chairperson said Pakistan was facing serious challenges from climate change and described tree plantation as a national responsibility rather than a one-day campaign. She urged citizens to plant and protect trees, announcing that the initiative would continue throughout the year.
Later, Senator Rubina Khalid, Amer Ali Ahmad and Dr. Asmat Nawaz cut an Independence Day cake alongside children benefiting from the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme. Gifts were also distributed among the children.
The ceremony also recognized doctors, paramedical staff and volunteers for their selfless services during last year’s floods in Swat. Senator Rubina Khalid praised their dedication, saying those who serve humanity during difficult times are among the nation’s true heroes.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Rubina Khalid said Pakistan was blessed with abundant natural resources and stressed the importance of collective thinking, self-accountability and a spirit of national service.
She described BISP as the practical manifestation of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision of providing dignity, protection and empowerment to vulnerable sections of society. She said the programme currently provides social protection to more than 10 million deserving families across Pakistan.
Senator Rubina Khalid also highlighted reforms in BISP’s payment system, particularly the introduction of the Digital Wallet. Under the interoperability system, she said, women beneficiaries would be able to receive payments through authorized bank agents anywhere in the country, regardless of city, day or time.
She urged women beneficiaries to regard Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as their role model and emphasized the importance of empowering vulnerable families.
Concluding her address, the BISP chairperson paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their sacrifices for the country’s defence, peace and stability.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, stability, progress and prosperity. Senator Rubina Khalid also called for projecting a positive and peaceful image of Pakistan before the international community.
BISP HOLDS CEREMONY TO MARK PAKISTAN’S 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY