Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025 – Support for Pregnant Women and Young Children

Malnutrition remains one of Pakistan’s most urgent public health challenges. Nearly 4 in 10 children are stunted, over 28% are underweight, and around 17% suffer from wasting. These aren’t just numbers; they represent millions of children at risk of poor health, delayed learning, and limited futures.

To break this cycle, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) launched the Benazir Nashonuma Program, a targeted intervention for pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and children under two.

Purpose of the Benazir Nashonuma Program

This program focuses on the first 1,000 days of life from pregnancy to age two. It’s the most critical window to prevent malnutrition, stunting, and lifelong developmental delays.

The program’s approach is simple yet powerful: combine nutrition-focused cash support with regular health visits and education to ensure both mother and child receive the care they need.

Program Objectives

• Prevent stunting in children under 2
  
• Improve weight gain in pregnant women.
  
• Reduce anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
  
• Encourage health checkups and immunizations.
  
• Promote awareness of nutrition and maternal health.
  
• Lower the risk of low birth weight and childhood diseas.
  

These goals directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially zero hunger, good health, and gender equality.

Cash Support Structure

The Benazir Nashonuma cash transfer is a conditional quarterly payment:

Category	Amount (PKR) per quarter
Pregnant/Lactating Woman (PLW)	2,000
Child under 2 (Boy)	2,000
Child under 2 (Girl)	2,500

The higher amount for girl children promotes gender equity and encourages equal nutritional care for daughters.

Conditions for Receiving the Cash

To receive these payments, mothers must:

• Visit clinics for regular antenatal care
  
• Attend awareness sessions on nutrition and child care
  
• Consume Specialized Nutritious Food (SNF)
  
• Get their children vaccinated and regularly checked
  

This encourages families to stay engaged with available government health services and build lasting habits.

Where the Program Is Active

The Benazir Nashonuma initiative started in 14 pilot districts. After its success, it expanded to:

• 158 districts across Pakistan
  
• 512+ Nashonuma Centers, including mobile outreach units
  

These centers are set up in hospitals and health centers to offer one-window access to nutrition, health, and registration services.

Impact So Far

The program has already reached over 1.27 million individuals, including:

• 645,800 pregnant or lactating women
  
• 630,000 children under 2
  

This makes Nashonuma one of the largest early childhood nutrition interventions in Pakistan today.

Why It’s Better Than Direct Aid Alone

While cash aid supports daily survival, Nashonuma creates long-term change by investing in human development. When women are healthier during pregnancy, and children grow without stunting, the benefits extend far beyond one household they impact communities and future generations.

How to Enroll

If you’re a BISP beneficiary and either pregnant or have a child under 2 years old, visit your nearest Nashonuma Centre with:

• Your original CNIC
  
• Your child’s B-form (if available)
  
• Your BISP registration information
  

Health workers will guide you through the process and help you start receiving benefits.

Link with National Priorities

The Benazir Nashonuma Program plays a direct role in helping Pakistan:

• Reduce child mortality
  
• Improve maternal health
  
• Achieve SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG-3 (Good Health)
  
• Close the nutrition gap between boys and girls.
  

Conclusion

The Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025 is more than just a cash transfer. It’s a lifeline for mothers and children at risk, and a crucial investment in Pakistan’s future.

If you or someone in your family qualifies, don’t miss the opportunity. Visit a Nashonuma Centre near you and give your child the strongest start in life.