The Benazir Kafaalat Programme is the flagship cash transfer initiative under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). It is designed to provide direct financial assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable families across Pakistan, particularly empowering women as the primary recipients.

Purpose and Objectives

• Poverty Reduction: To support low-income families in meeting their basic needs through regular cash payments.
• Women Empowerment: Payments are made directly to female heads of households to increase their economic participation and decision-making power.
• Social Safety Net: To provide a reliable income source that protects families from economic shocks and poverty cycles.

Payment Amounts

The amount given under the Benazir Kafaalat Programme has been periodically updated to respond to inflation and cost of living changes. As of the latest updates:

• Regular Cash Transfer: Eligible beneficiaries receive Rs. 6,000 per quarter (every three months), which totals to Rs. 24,000 annually.
• Emergency Support: Additional one-time payments may be given during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be registered in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) and classified as extremely poor based on socio-economic indicators.
• The cash transfer is primarily targeted at women who are heads of households or married women who can manage the funds on behalf of the family.
• Beneficiaries should not be receiving similar cash transfers from other federal or provincial programs to avoid duplication.

Payment Method

• Payments are usually disbursed through biometric verification systems to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
• Beneficiaries can collect their payments through designated Pakistan Post offices or via mobile banking services linked with BISP.
• The programme uses the latest technology to verify the identity of recipients through their CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) and fingerprint authentication.

How to Receive Payments

• Once registered and approved, beneficiaries receive a notification regarding payment schedules.
• Payments are released quarterly, and beneficiaries should visit their assigned payment points with their CNIC and biometric verification.
• In some cases, mobile wallet transfers are available for easier access.

Additional Benefits Under Kafaalat

• Taleemi Wazaif (Education Stipends): Financial support for school-going children of Kafaalat beneficiaries to encourage education.
• Waseela-e-Sehat: Health-related financial assistance to beneficiaries in need of medical treatment.
• Waseela-e-Rozgar: Vocational training and skill development opportunities to help beneficiaries improve income-generating abilities.

Impact of the Benazir Kafaalat Programme

The programme has played a crucial role in poverty reduction in Pakistan by providing a steady income stream to millions of families. It has particularly improved the social status and economic empowerment of women, who manage and control the cash transfers.

By directly addressing the financial needs of the poorest households, the Benazir Kafaalat Programme helps in reducing vulnerability, improving nutrition, education, and overall quality of life.