The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has warned that it may initiate legal proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against individuals spreading baseless allegations or using the programme for political point scoring.
In a statement, a BISP spokesperson said the programme is Pakistan’s largest social protection initiative and is widely recognized at both national and international levels as a successful model for transparency, efficient service delivery and timely financial assistance to deserving families.
The spokesperson said international delegations and development partners regularly visit Pakistan to study BISP’s operational model and best practices, reflecting the programme’s global recognition.
Expressing concern over recent criticism, the spokesperson said certain elements were attempting to damage BISP’s reputation for narrow personal or political interests. The statement described such actions as condemnable, emphasizing that millions of deserving women and families rely on the programme for financial support.
The spokesperson warned that making unfounded allegations against the programme is a serious matter and said BISP reserves the right to pursue legal action under PECA wherever applicable.
According to the statement, BISP operates under strict standards of transparency and accountability. Its financial and administrative operations are regularly audited and monitored through robust oversight mechanisms, including reviews by international development partners.
The spokesperson also said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have full confidence in the programme’s transparent and effective service delivery system.
The statement noted that the use of BISP’s beneficiary database during the Ramadan Relief Package, the COVID-19 emergency and flood relief operations demonstrates the government’s trust in the programme.
BISP urged political parties, social stakeholders and the media to avoid exploiting the programme for political purposes and called on all segments of society to help protect the credibility of the institution so that deserving beneficiaries can continue receiving assistance without interruption.
