BISP is revolutionary programme with no precedence: President Zardari

Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is a revolutionary step by the government which has no precedence, said President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday.

BISP is a step towards making Pakistan a welfare state and through which efforts are being made to eliminate poverty and strengthen women socially and financially. According to the vision of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, BISP is providing financial assistance at the doorstep of the deserving families without any discrimination of political and religious affiliation. These views were expressed by President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday at a big public gathering in Bahawalpur at the launch ceremony of Benazir Smart Card.

President Zardari said we are a reflection of the thought of Shaheed Bhutto and the people. We have told the world that the poor are dear to us and we rule over their hearts. Nations often face tests in their life and we will take Pakistan forward. President Zardari said I know which area of Pakistan needs what. Present government is determined to solve all problems by the end of its five-year term. He further said that the martyrdom of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was for Pakistan and politics was worship for him. Our politics is for the people and Pakistan People's Party has its roots in the people. Announcing development work in Bahawalpur, President Zardari said that the double road from Bahawalpur to Hasilpur and Bahawalpur to Multan double road will be upgraded. He said students of Islamia University Bahawalpur will be given 500 IT and 100 foreign scholarships. He said we have still to achieve many goals and make Pakistan a developed country. President Zardari said today's' political actors do not love the people.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP is a revolutionary programme which has launched various initiatives to empower women and alleviate poverty from the country. She said making BISP is the way to make Pakistan a welfare state. Giving economic self-sufficiency to the public is our foremost priority because Pakistan People's Party's manifesto wants to see the people of Pakistan strengthened and it is for this reason that we have given many sacrifices and fulfilled the promise of free judiciary. She said we have removed the elements of dictatorship from the constitution and want to rid the country of the menace of terrorism and extremism. In the same way we also want to eliminate poverty from the country. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said democratic government's don't just make hollow statements but fulfil their promises too and we have devoted ourselves to the service of the public.

Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP is giving the people what they rightfully deserve and this system will continue forever. We are working according o the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, Quaid-e-Millat, Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. President and Prime Minister of Pakistan are making efforts to make BISP an effective programme to ensure that the needs of the common man are met and they get their rights on their doorstep. She said today another important step has been taken by the launch of the Benazir Smart Card. Through this initiative the women will not only become financially independent but will also get social and economic protection so that no one could deprive her of her rights.

Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said the Benazir Smart Card is a modern payment mechanism and will ensure efficient and transparent disbursement of financial assistance to the BISP beneficiaries. She said with the help of Benazir Smart Card, beneficiaries will be able to draw their money with ease from BISP nominated franchises near them. Relevant information of the beneficiaries will be stored in the card and they will be able to draw money or make purchases from their card just by showing their NIC at the franchise.

Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said according to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, BISP is working to empower women and eliminate poverty from the country. In addition to the providing financial assistance, BISP was also giving an amount of Rs.300,000 to beneficiaries selected through a computerized draw every month. She said work was also underway on Health Insurance and Vocational Training schemes. Under Health Insurance scheme a health cover worth Rs.25,000 per year will be given to beneficiary family, whereas, Vocational Training scheme aims to give technical training to one member of the family to enable that person to get employed and start contributing to the household income thus lifting it out of the poverty trap.

Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said Benazir Smart Card will be distributed in those districts where the Poverty Survey has been completed. Terming the Benazir Smart Card as a modern and efficient mode of cash disbursement, she said this card will end the need of money order delivery which takes time. Through the Benazir Smart Card, beneficiaries will have ready access to their money which they could use as they like. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP will continue to introduce modern and revolutionary initiatives like this to serve the public in a transparent and effective manner.