PM Launches 10 Million Digital Wallets for BISP Beneficiaries
On August 25, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched 10 million digital wallets for BISP beneficiaries in Islamabad, transforming Pakistan’s welfare system with secure, cashless payments for 9.3 million low-income women. Linked to CNICs with biometric verification, these wallets promote transparency and financial inclusion. Supported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and partners like Jazz/Mobilink, the rollout began in pilot districts, updated as of August 26, 2025, 6:08 PM PKT.
What Are BISP Digital Wallets?
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan’s largest social safety net, delivers Rs 13,500 quarterly stipends to 9.3 million families (BISP data). The digital wallet initiative, part of 2025’s banking reforms, replaces cash-based camps with CNIC-linked accounts, ensuring direct, fraud-free aid delivery.
Key Features
- CNIC Integration: Wallets tied to NADRA-verified identities.
- Biometric Security: Fingerprint verification prevents identity theft.
- Free SIMs: 10 million SIMs distributed for app access (e.g., JazzCash, EasyPaisa).
- Raast Compatibility: Enables instant transfers via SBP’s payment system.
- Pilot Districts: Active in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and Gilgit.
The system builds on 78% digital distribution during Ramazan 2025, targeting full cashless payments by early 2026 (BISP Press Release).
Why Did PM Launch 10 Million Digital Wallets for BISP?
The initiative addresses inefficiencies in traditional disbursements, saving Rs 2 billion annually by eliminating middlemen (BISP data). PM Shehbaz described it as a “historic milestone” for transparency, women’s empowerment, and a cashless economy, continuing Benazir Bhutto’s vision (The Express Tribune).
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Objectives
- Transparency: Direct deposits reduce corruption.
- Financial Inclusion: Integrates women into digital banking.
- Efficiency: Cuts aid delivery from 8–10 months to 4 months.
- Social Impact: Links stipends to education (school attendance) and health programs.
- Global Alignment: Supported by partners like Germany’s GIZ for international standards.
How to Access BISP Digital Wallets?
Beneficiaries can activate and use wallets through a streamlined process managed by BISP, SBP, and partnered banks (e.g., HBL, Bank Alfalah, Mobilink Microfinance).
Activation Steps
- Verification: BISP validates CNIC via NADRA.
- Wallet Creation: Auto-generated with biometric setup at banks or agents.
- SIM Distribution: Free SIMs provided in pilot districts; download apps like JazzCash.
- Biometric Activation: Verify fingerprints at branches or agents; NADRA Verisys for failures.
- Fund Access: Withdraw via ATMs, agents, or use for digital payments.
Text CNIC to 8171 or visit bisp.gov.pk for wallet status (بی آئی ایس پی ڈیجیٹل والیٹ چیک کریں).
Pilot Phase Overview
| District | Region | Beneficiaries (Est. Thousands) | Notes |
| Hyderabad | Sindh | 300 | Initial SIM rollout |
| Sukkur | Sindh | 200 | Biometric testing |
| Rahim Yar Khan | Punjab | 150 | Rural access focus |
| Karachi | Sindh | 500 | Urban hub |
| Lahore | Punjab | 400 | High branch density |
| Islamabad | Capital | 200 | Tech testing |
| Quetta | Balochistan | 150 | Remote logistics |
| Gilgit | Gilgit-Baltistan | 80 | High-altitude access |
Benefits of BISP Digital Wallets
The wallets empower women and modernize welfare delivery, aligning with Pakistan’s digital economy goals.
Key Advantages
- Security: Biometrics ensure funds reach intended recipients.
- Convenience: 24/7 access via apps, ATMs, or agents, ending camp queues.
- Flexibility: Pay bills, school fees, or save via Raast-enabled apps.
- Empowerment: Fosters financial autonomy for women, with digital literacy training.
- Scalability: Supports 10 million beneficiaries, expandable to education and health programs.
PM Shehbaz noted, “Cashless transactions save time, end corruption, and drive progress” (Business Recorder).
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
The transition faces hurdles, particularly in underserved areas.
Potential Issues
- Digital Literacy: Elderly or rural women may struggle with apps.
- Connectivity: Network issues in remote regions like Gilgit.
- Biometric Failures: Fingerprint challenges for some users.
- Transition Overlap: Confusion during shift from camps to wallets.
Solutions
- Digital literacy workshops in pilot districts.
- High-level committee for transparency and oversight (ARY News).
- Helplines (8171) and agent support for activation.
- NADRA Verisys as a biometric fallback.
FAQ
What are BISP digital wallets?
CNIC-linked, biometric-secured accounts for 10 million BISP beneficiaries to receive Rs 13,500 stipends directly, launched August 25, 2025 (BISP Press Release).
How do I activate my BISP digital wallet?
Text CNIC to 8171 for status, then verify biometrics at assigned banks or agents; free SIMs provided (SBP Circular No. 17).
Which districts are in the BISP wallet pilot?
Hyderabad, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and Gilgit, started August 2025 (The Express Tribune).
What if my biometric verification fails?
NADRA Verisys ensures wallet activation if fingerprints fail (BISP data).
Can BISP wallets be used for payments?
Yes, pay utility bills, school fees, or save via Raast-integrated apps like JazzCash (Profit Pakistan Today).
When will BISP wallets be nationwide?
Pilot phase active now; full rollout by early 2026, per PM’s directive (ARY News).
Conclusion
The PM’s launch of 10 million digital wallets for BISP beneficiaries is a game-changer, empowering 9.3 million women with secure, transparent access to aid. By integrating with Raast and banking partners, it drives Pakistan’s cashless economy forward. Activate your wallet today—text your CNIC to 8171 or visit bisp.gov.pk to join this digital revolution.
