BISP’s Benazir SIM Rollout in Lahore: Rubina Khalid Explains New Digital Payment System
Lahore, August 25, 2026: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid visited a Benazir SIM distribution site and the BISP Central Zonal Office in Lahore on Tuesday, reviewing arrangements for the rollout of the programme’s new digital payment system for women beneficiaries.
During her visit to the SIM distribution centre at Government Islamia Boys Higher Secondary School on Multan Road, Lahore, Senator Rubina Khalid met with women beneficiaries and addressed their questions about the newly introduced Benazir SIM and digital wallet system.
The BISP chairperson emphasized that the Benazir SIM is completely free and beneficiaries are not required to pay any fee for its issuance. She also reiterated that BISP does not charge fees for its schemes, services or surveys and that no form is required for the survey.
Rubina Khalid warned beneficiaries against unauthorized agents and urged women not to allow anyone to deduct money from their stipends. She advised beneficiaries to report any such complaints immediately so that action could be taken against those responsible.
Benazir SIM to Function as Digital Wallet
Explaining the new system, the BISP chairperson said the Benazir SIM will serve as a digital wallet for beneficiaries, making its security particularly important.
She advised women to keep their mobile phones and SIMs secure and never hand them over to agents. Beneficiaries will receive a confirmation message when their stipend is credited, and they were advised to preserve the message and avoid deleting it.
Rubina Khalid also stressed that the Benazir SIM should only be obtained from designated BISP centres and not from shops or unauthorized sources.
Beneficiaries Can Withdraw Payments Nationwide
Under the new digital payment mechanism, eligible women will be able to withdraw their payments from authorized agents of participating partner banks across Pakistan.
The system is designed to provide greater flexibility, allowing a beneficiary to visit another authorized bank agent if she is unable to receive her payment from one agent.
According to the BISP chairperson, the initiative has been introduced on the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to improve convenience, transparency and empowerment for women receiving BISP payments.
She said the digital transformation of the payment system reflects the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to empower women and provide greater protection to vulnerable sections of society.
NADRA Facial Recognition Facility for Biometric Issues
Senator Rubina Khalid also highlighted a facility for beneficiaries who face difficulties with biometric thumb verification.
Women experiencing problems with thumb verification can obtain a facial recognition certificate from NADRA offices, she said.
She added that the new payment system is being continuously monitored to identify beneficiary concerns and complaints and improve the effectiveness of the programme.
The BISP chairperson further urged beneficiaries to obtain information about the programme only through BISP’s official and verified social media accounts, particularly its blue-tick accounts, to avoid falling victim to misinformation or fraud.
Rubina Khalid Reviews Complaint Resolution Mechanism
Later, Senator Rubina Khalid visited the BISP Central Zonal Office Lahore, where she reviewed the mechanism for registering and resolving complaints.
She expressed appreciation for the arrangements aimed at ensuring timely redressal of beneficiary complaints.
Director General Punjab Naseer Uddin Sarwar was also present during the visit.
The latest measures are part of BISP’s broader efforts to digitize payments, strengthen transparency and provide women beneficiaries with a safer and more flexible way to access their financial assistance.