BISP Quarterly Stipend Distribution Plagued by Corruption and Mismanagement

ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), one of Pakistan’s flagship welfare initiatives, was established to support underprivileged families through quarterly financial assistance. However, the ground realities across several districts paint a grim picture of inefficiency, favoritism, and widespread corruption in the stipend distribution process.

Reports from multiple regions indicate that beneficiaries with personal references or connections receive payments promptly, while deserving citizens without such access face unnecessary delays. Many poor recipients are forced to pay illegal deductions or “extra charges” to local retailers to access their rightful stipends.

Read more: BISP set to start new payment system in these cities from August 14

Furthermore, cases have surfaced where retailers intentionally block beneficiaries’ accounts by placing incorrect fingerprints on their identity records — a move that effectively prevents them from withdrawing their funds. Victims of such acts are often left helpless, with no effective complaint mechanism to seek redress.

The problem is compounded by the alleged negligence of district-level officers, including Deputy Directors (DDs), Assistant Directors (ADs), and complaint assistants. These officials, entrusted with ensuring transparency and fairness, are often accused of ignoring public grievances and failing to monitor the retailers properly.

As a result, the BISP’s noble mission is being undermined by a system that benefits the influential while punishing the powerless. The government must take immediate notice and establish a strict check-and-balance mechanism across all district and tehsil offices. Transparent audits, accountability, and the replacement of corrupt officials are urgently needed to restore public trust in this critical social welfare program.