Message from Ex Prime Minister

Benazir Income Support Programme has come a long way since it was launched over four years ago in 2008. Today, BISP enjoys global acclaim as a successful and the biggest pro-poor initiative.

I am particularly reminded of Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto’s quote wherein she said: “Our people are our hope and our future. Our progress, our strength, our stability lies in trusting our people. On that promise alone can we succeed. And to that promise, we pledge our support.”

The very fact that BISP focuses on women is in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto, a staunch supporter and a great campaigner of women rights.

In a keynote address on the subject of Social Development and Women’s Empowerment in New Delhi 2001, she said: “For me, the empowerment of women lies less in laws and more in economic independence. Dependent women, like dependent nations, are not free to take the decisions they may like to take. For them survival becomes the code with which to address their situation.”

I have no doubt about the fact that a society can only realize its true potential and embark on a trajectory of sustainable socio-economic development if it takes its underprivileged segments of society along with it particularly the women.

Democracy, in its very essence, is participatory and seeks to establish an inclusive society, which provides equal opportunities to all segments of society and particularly protects the poorest of the poor. It is for this reason that BISP is the Government’s flagship programme and has successfully targeted 7 million families living below the poverty line.

Due to its presence in all the four provinces including GB, FATA, AJ&K, BISP has emerged as the greatest anti-poverty and pro-people programme.

BISP’ collaboration with various regional and international organsaitons including World Bank speaks volumes about its professionalism, transparency and efficacy. The credit for the rare honour won by BISP should go to its Chairperson and her team who have worked hard to make it achieve excellence.

I am sure that the new website will help BISP highlight its achievements and make it more interactive with a wide range of domestic, regional and global audience. Let me assure you that the present democratic government will continue to help BISP in its endeavours.