Committee Directs Improvement in Banks’ Performance, Public Awareness, and Beneficiary Facilitation; Confirms Compensation for Rahim Yar Khan Incident Victims

Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi): A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection was held under the chairmanship of Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, during which members reviewed the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Digital Wallet system, the performance of partner banks, and payment mechanisms for beneficiaries.

The State Bank of Pakistan informed the committee that all participating banks would complete interoperability by July 31, 2026, while the full digitalization of beneficiaries’ accounts would be completed by December 31, 2026.

Expressing concern over the lack of public awareness and the unsatisfactory performance of some banks, the committee directed BISP to ensure more effective implementation of the Digital Wallet system, submit district-wise performance reports of partner banks, and strengthen public awareness campaigns to better inform beneficiaries.

The committee was also informed that the families of those who lost their lives in the Rahim Yar Khan payment centre incident had each received Rs. 2 million in compensation, while each injured victim had been paid Rs. 500,000.

The committee further directed the relevant authorities to improve banking facilities for persons with disabilities and take measures to address staff shortages within the Benazir Income Support Programme.