2.4 Million Free SIMs Issued to BISP Beneficiaries for Wallet-Based Payments in Punjab
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has achieved a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital financial inclusion drive, with 2.4 million free SIM cards distributed to registered beneficiaries across Punjab. The initiative is designed to transition BISP payments to secure, wallet-based digital accounts, ensuring faster, safer, and more transparent disbursement of financial assistance.
The development was confirmed by Haider Murtaza, Director General BISP Punjab, during his visit to SIM Distribution Centres in Muzaffargarh, where he reviewed on-ground arrangements and interacted directly with women beneficiaries.
A Shift Toward Digital, Wallet-Based Payments
According to BISP officials, the SIM cards are being issued completely free of cost and are linked to dedicated digital wallet accounts. In the next phase, all future BISP payments will be disbursed exclusively through these wallets, replacing cash-based and manual systems.
This transition aims to:
- Eliminate delays in payments
- Reduce leakages and middlemen
- Strengthen transparency and accountability
- Promote financial inclusion, especially for women
By leveraging SIM-linked wallets, beneficiaries will be able to receive funds directly, securely, and on time, without relying on agents or intermediaries.
On-Ground Review and Beneficiary Facilitation
During his visit, DG Haider Murtaza:
- Inspected operational arrangements at distribution centres
- Reviewed crowd management and service delivery
- Spoke with women beneficiaries to hear concerns firsthand
- Ensured the process remained respectful, efficient, and transparent
He expressed satisfaction with the progress so far and directed staff to further expedite distribution while maintaining high service standards.
Digital Financial Literacy: A Core Component
A key feature of the initiative is Digital Financial Literacy Training being provided at the centres. Beneficiaries are being educated on:
- Proper use of SIM cards and wallet accounts
- Understanding PIN codes and basic digital safety
- How to check balances and receive payments
Officials said this training is crucial to ensure women can confidently and independently manage their financial assistance.
Strong Emphasis on Safety and Zero Cost
The DG categorically informed beneficiaries that:
- SIM cards are 100% free
- No payment should be made to anyone under any circumstances
- Any demand for money should be reported immediately
He advised women not to share SIM details, wallet information, or PIN codes with anyone, stressing that these wallets are a trust and responsibility placed directly in their hands.
Complaint Redressal and Helpline
In case of any issue, beneficiaries were instructed to:
- Visit their nearest BISP Tehsil Office, or
- Call the official BISP Helpline: 0800-26477
BISP reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for negligence, misconduct, or exploitation by staff or service providers.
Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion
Officials emphasized that the SIM-wallet initiative goes beyond payments. It is a women-centric empowerment program aimed at:
- Enhancing economic independence
- Increasing control over household finances
- Bringing women into the formal digital financial system
By placing wallets directly in women’s names, BISP is reinforcing its broader mandate of social protection with dignity and autonomy.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- 2.4 million free SIM cards distributed in Punjab
- Wallet-based payments to become mandatory for future BISP disbursements
- Digital financial literacy training provided on-site
- Strict warning against sharing SIM or wallet details
- Helpline support available at 0800-26477
Bottom Line
The large-scale distribution of free SIM cards linked to digital wallets marks a transformative step for the Benazir Income Support Programme. By combining technology, transparency, and financial education, BISP is not only modernizing welfare payments but also empowering millions of women to participate confidently in Pakistan’s digital economy.
