Islamabad, Pakistan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched 10 million digital wallets for beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring financial inclusion, transparency, and progress toward a cashless economy in Pakistan.
The premier inaugurated the initiative with a symbolic palm-touch ceremony in Islamabad, joined by federal ministers, BISP leadership, and international development partners including GIZ. He praised BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and partner institutions, calling the digital wallet project a “historic milestone in Pakistan’s social protection system.”
Shehbaz emphasized that the BISP digital wallet system would empower beneficiaries—primarily women—by providing direct, transparent, and safe financial assistance linked to CNICs with biometric verification. He added that the initiative carries the spirit of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as it empowers families with direct access to aid while promoting digital literacy among women in Pakistan.
“Cashless transactions are the pressing need of our time. They save time, reduce corruption, and increase efficiency,” the prime minister said.
The digital wallet rollout will also distribute 10 million free SIM cards in partnership with Jazz/Mobilink, beginning in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan. BISP Secretary Amir Ali Ahmed explained that the wallets will be connected to beneficiaries’ CNICs through biometric verification to prevent fraud and ensure genuine disbursement.
Senator Rubina Khalid hailed the initiative as a turning point in Pakistan’s digital financial inclusion journey, noting that it would “empower women and expand social protection in a transparent and accountable way.”
Alongside the launch, PM Shehbaz also chaired a meeting on the National Industrial Policy 2025, underlining the government’s focus on building an export-oriented economy through modern technology and skilled manpower.
Later in the day, the prime minister honored three shepherds from Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district—Sher Wali, Shakir Hussain, and Farmanullah—who saved nearly 300 lives during floods by warning villagers in time. Each was awarded Rs. 2.5 million for their bravery.
Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan also confirmed provincial awards for the rescuers, with additional recognition planned for others, including Karimullah Baig from Hunza and Nasir from Chitorkhand Dain.
The government hailed both the digital wallet launch and the recognition of community heroes as key steps toward building a stronger, digitally empowered, and socially responsible Pakistan.
