The federal government is considering transferring the management of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to provincial authorities, in a potential policy shift aimed at restructuring social welfare delivery in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Sports Khel Das Kohistani said that the proposal is under review in light of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which devolved several administrative and financial responsibilities to the provinces.
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Speaking to media, he noted that since provinces already hold significant authority in multiple sectors, there is a growing view that social assistance funds should also be administered at the provincial level to improve efficiency and localised decision-making.
He added that some provincial governments have also raised similar suggestions, arguing that decentralising the programme could help better target deserving families and improve transparency in disbursement processes.
The Endline Impact Evaluation of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme was presented at the Headquarters of Benazir Income Support Programme in Islamabad, where an independent study by Agha Khan University highlighted significant progress in reducing child stunting and improving… pic.twitter.com/yfzKTV2wYs
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) May 8, 2026
However, the minister clarified that no final decision has been made and any move in this direction would be taken only after consultation with coalition partners and political stakeholders.
He further emphasised that there is no consideration within the government to completely abolish the BISP, which remains one of the country’s largest social safety net initiatives supporting low-income households.
The programme has long been a key pillar of Pakistan’s welfare system, providing cash assistance to millions of vulnerable families across the country. Any potential restructuring is expected to have significant administrative and political implications.
Analysts say that while devolution could improve provincial ownership of welfare schemes, it may also create disparities in implementation capacity between richer and poorer provinces, raising concerns about equal access to financial assistance.
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Benazir Income Support Programme has also historically been supported by international development partners, who view it as an important tool for poverty alleviation and social protection.
The government’s consideration of reforms comes amid broader discussions on fiscal management, devolution, and improving efficiency in public spending. Officials say the matter remains at a consultation stage and no timeline has been announced for a final decision.