Latest news with #BISP
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP, NAVTTC ink partnership
ISLAMABAD: BISP and NAVTTC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a press release said on Thursday. The MoU was signed by Dr Asim Ijaz, Director General NSER BISP, and Dr Ishaq Rao, DG NAVTTC, the press release added. The objective of the MoU is to establish a collaborative partnership between BISP and NAVTTC to jointly work on the poverty graduation of BISP beneficiaries through skill development initiatives, said the press release. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
20 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt comes under attack in NA for ignoring agri sector
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP Lawmakers from the treasury and opposition benches on Thursday welcomed improved economic indicators and emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to sustain economic progress and promote inclusive growth. Resuming the budget debate, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) praised the budget as historic and lauded the role of Pakistan's armed forces in sending a firm message to India. He expressed confidence that the budget 2025-26 would pave the way for sustainable economic growth in the country. Amir Dogar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) criticized the government for overlooking the agriculture sector and called for raising the minimum wage to Rs 50,000. Atif Khan of SIC criticized the budget and stressed relief measures for the poor segment of society. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) legislator Shagufta Jumani appreciated the government for allocating significant funds to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). She also urged the government to allocate dedicated funds for polio eradication, emphasizing the importance of sustained public health efforts. Rana Hayat proposed the creation of a special House committee to focus on the problems faced by farmers, a vital segment of the economy. MNA Usama Ahmed Mela, emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in national development, called on the government to provide incentives for farmers, including subsidies for fertilizer, pesticide and broader agricultural reforms. He also suggested a review of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) authority, indicating concerns about its administrative reach.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SOEs: experts raise alarm over ‘economic drain'
ISLAMABAD: Former Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Shahid Kardar, Wednesday, raised alarm over the economic drain and stressed the need for privatisation. He said that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are causing Rs1 trillion in losses annually to the national kitty. Speaking at an event titled, 'Numbers and Beyond Budget 2025-26', Kardar said that there is a dire need to control financial losses from SOEs as such huge resources can be diverted to other sectors with having potential to put the country on the path of economic development. He said that the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and global instability have further slashed Pakistan's investment rate. Economist Dr Manzoor Ahmad, speaking on the occasion, termed the budget a unique fiscal move for its historic subsidy cuts and added that this has provided economy a breathing space and the government must continue such policies in further, so that exports of the countries could be increased. The event was chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry and co-convened by Dr Nafeesa Shah, MNA, and Sher Ali Arbab, which brought together economists, senators, and provincial representatives to deliberate on fiscal priorities. In his keynote address, Barrister Chaudhry emphasised provincial fiscal autonomy as key to national developments and said that financial discipline and management is must for the economic growth. He said that the secret to real progress lies in provinces autonomously managing their resources and provinces must adopt fiscal vigilance. Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, speaking on the occasion, announced the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Program (BHP) by terming it a timely and strategic intervention to address Pakistan's growing employment challenges and unlock economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Highlighting the importance of skill development, she said with a rising young population and limited employment avenues, especially for marginalised groups, Pakistan urgently needs initiatives that provide sustainable solutions. 'BHP is not just a training initiative— it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and decent work. By equipping low-income families with market-relevant, competency-based skills, we are investing in their future and in the economic progress of the country,' she remarked. She explained that the programme aims to train BISP beneficiaries and their family members in skills aligned with both local market needs and international demand—particularly in sectors like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and information technology. A key focus of the initiative is to prepare participants for employment opportunities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and beyond. Former Sindh Governor Zubair Umar spotlighted Karachi's paradox, saying that the metropolis was contributing 70 percent of national revenue, it ranks as the world's 4th least livable and 2nd most dangerous city as per 'The Economist'. While demanding urgent federal government intervention to remove the hurdles in resolving Karachi's problems, he said that the situation was worsening with each passing day. Mian Umer Masood, president of the Kissan Association, emotionally stressed agrarian distress and said that at present one and a half litre water bottle costs more than milk which reflects the plight of the agriculture sector. The government must address farmers' crises immediately, otherwise, the country will face serious food shortage crisis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP to launch Benazir Hunarmand Programme
ISLAMABAD: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to launch Benazir Hunarmand Programme on 21 June, a press release said on Tuesday. This initiative aims at equipping BISP beneficiaries with skills for self-reliance and sustainable employment, the press release added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP to launch retail-based payment model from today
ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to launch its new retail-based payment model from Monday (today) to protect the beneficiaries from severe heat wave conditions, marking a major shift from the traditional campsite-based disbursement mechanism. This transition aims to ensure safer, more dignified, and accessible payment services for beneficiaries, especially in light of the ongoing heatwave across several regions. In preparation for the disbursement of the Quarter 4 tranche, Additional Secretary BISP Dr. Tahir Noor visited District Khanewal Sunday. The purpose of the visit was to assess field readiness, review arrangements, and engage with district teams and representatives of partner banks to ensure seamless execution of the new payment system. Dr. Tahir Noor underscored that the retail model is being introduced to provide beneficiaries with an improved experience through convenient access points, biometric verification, and a more transparent process that includes printed receipts. He reiterated BISP's commitment to ensuring that cash transfers are made in a manner that upholds the dignity, ease, and respect of every beneficiary. He directed partner banks to ensure the full functionality of all retail outlets. This includes the presence of trained staff, the availability of biometric devices, reliable network connectivity, and the visible display of awareness material to guide beneficiaries at each payment point. Dr Noor also instructed BISP field teams to conduct clear and timely communication campaigns so that all beneficiaries are informed well in advance about the new disbursement procedures. Earlier in the week, Dr. Tahir Noor visited Multan and Bahawalpur as part of his broader South Punjab oversight tour. During these visits, he reviewed field preparations and engaged in coordination meetings with regional BISP officials and representatives of partner financial institutions. He emphasized the importance of strong coordination among all stakeholders, including BISP field staff, partner banks, local administrations, and the beneficiaries themselves. He stressed that the singular focus of all teams should be the delivery of full cash grants to the intended recipients while ensuring their comfort and respect throughout the process. The new retail payment model will formally go into effect from June 16. Beneficiaries are advised to visit only their designated retail outlets with their original CNICs. They must collect their full payments along with printed receipts. In case of any issues or complaints, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact their respective Tehsil BISP office or call the BISP helpline at 0800-26477. This transformation in the payment mechanism represents a significant step forward in BISP's mission to deliver citizen-centric and transparent service delivery to Pakistan's most vulnerable communities.
