Addressing the media, Senator Rubina Khalid said that, in line with special directives from the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, the Social Protection Wallet has been formally launched to enhance transparency and convenience in the payment system.

She stated that under the BISP, financial assistance is currently being provided to 10 million deserving women nationwide. She added that approximately 50 per cent of the process of distributing free SIMs has been completed so far.

The chairperson stated that BISP is the largest initiative in Pakistan’s history for the inclusion of women in the social protection, digital, and financial systems.

She further said that tomorrow marks the death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Bibi Shaheed, she remarked, remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and struggle. Women draw their strength and confidence from her legacy.

Her services for women’s rights and for Pakistan are unforgettable, and her role in advancing women’s rights is acknowledged and respected worldwide.

The chairperson clarified that through the digital wallet system, financial assistance will be transferred directly to the digital wallets of deserving women.

This will eliminate the need for repeated visits to offices or centres, and eligible beneficiaries will receive their assistance with ease. For this purpose, free SIMs are being provided to deserving women, through which their digital wallets will be created.

Senator Rubina Khalid categorically stated that these SIMs are completely free of cost and are being provided only through BISP offices and centres.

She emphasised that the BISP staff themselves will activate the digital wallets on these SIMs. She reiterated that no fee or charge is being levied for any BISP scheme, particularly for obtaining these SIMs.

She urged women to safeguard these SIMs in the same manner as they protect their wallets or cash, as all future payments will be made through these digital wallets, enabling women to access their funds from anywhere.

She also highlighted that unemployment is a major national challenge, and in response, the Benazir Hunarmand Programme has been launched to equip deserving individuals with skills and make them economically self-reliant.

On the occasion, she recalled Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s words, stating that “skill is your asset.”

Later, the chairperson of BISP visited the BISP SIM distribution centres established at LDA Sabzazar, GHS Ali Raza Abad, and Shalamar Bhagwan Pura in Lahore, where she reviewed the process of distributing free SIMs for the Social Protection Wallet.

She issued strict instructions to the staff to ensure complete and effective guidance for deserving women so that they do not face any difficulties. She also provided necessary guidance to the beneficiaries regarding the acquisition of free SIMs, their proper use, and their protection.