BISP chair emphasizes digital literacy and economic inclusion of needy women

Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Chairman Dr. Amjad Saqib on Friday emphasized digital literacy and financial inclusion and stressed the importance of opening bank accounts for poor women.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting to review the progress of BISP's key initiatives, including widow registration, youth participation in Nashonuma, hybrid social protection schemes, and Benazir social protection accounts.

During the meeting, Dr. Amjad Saqib highlighted BISP's commitment to serving the poor. BISP Secretary General Ameer Ali Ahmad provided a detailed overview of the agenda items during the meeting.

Director Generals (DGs) from various departments also updated the BISP Chair on the topics discussed.

Mr. Naveed Akbar, Director General, NSER/CCT, informed the meeting that the target of account opening under Benazir Social Protection Account was successfully achieved and a total of 9,800 accounts were opened.

Additionally, 6,700 applications were received under the BISP Savings Scheme. Data for 8,900 widows were identified. The financial literacy program across 13 districts benefited 4,000 poor women and was successfully completed.

Dr. Amjad Saqib urged field offices to undergo training to educate disadvantaged women about social protection accounts and prioritize identifying women who already have bank accounts.

He directed authorities to ensure that accounts opened under the Benazir Social Protection Account, BISP Savings Scheme and Financial Literacy Program are operational by the end of January.

The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of BISP, Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor, Director General of Finance, Mr. Wasim Ahmad, Director General of OM, Dr. Asim Ijaz, and Regional Directors of BISP also virtually participated in the meeting.