Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declared on Tuesday that the current coalition government led by the PML-N intends to dismantle the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He vowed that the PPP would defend the programme and ensure its continuation. Speaking at a public gathering in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal expressed regret over the government’s alleged plans to terminate BISP, emphasizing his party’s commitment to preserving it.
He further stated that the PPP would advocate for increased funding for BISP by engaging with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the upcoming budget discussions. These remarks come amid reports that the federal government is contemplating structural changes to the scheme. Last month, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das Kohistani mentioned that the government was considering transferring BISP’s responsibilities to the provinces.
Established in 2008, BISP serves as Pakistan’s flagship poverty alleviation and social safety net programme, providing financial aid to over 10 million low-income families, primarily women. While Kohistani clarified on May 8 that the government has no plans to completely abolish BISP, Bilawal cautioned that devolving the programme to provincial authorities would effectively mean its end. He highlighted that such social welfare responsibilities are typically managed at the federal level worldwide, making decentralization inappropriate.
During an election rally in Shigar on Monday, Bilawal underscored BISP’s status as a model programme admired internationally. He contrasted the PPP’s political approach with other parties by focusing on the welfare of ordinary citizens, crediting the party’s leadership for introducing empowerment initiatives for workers and farmers. He recalled that former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had empowered farmers by granting land ownership, while Benazir Bhutto had created employment opportunities for the populace.
Addressing constitutional and governance matters concerning Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal advocated for granting the region powers akin to those under the 18th Amendment, which he believes would resolve many local issues. He also noted that the PPP had introduced subsidies and reforms benefiting the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Turning to regional affairs, Bilawal expressed optimism about the peace efforts led by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the Middle East. He stated that all Pakistanis are hopeful for the success of these initiatives, which bring pride to the nation. Bilawal also remarked that the Muslim world is bearing the brunt of the Middle East conflict, which has exacerbated economic hardships for the public.
