Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing criticism of the social welfare initiative as regrettable and reaffirming his party’s commitment to protecting and expanding it.
Addressing the National Assembly on Thursday, Bilawal said BISP had proven its effectiveness over the years and had earned recognition both within Pakistan and internationally for its role in supporting vulnerable families.
He expressed concern over what he described as attempts to target the programme, stating that the PPP would continue to defend it regardless of political criticism. “Whether anyone else defends it or not, we will continue to stand by this programme,” he said.
Bilawal noted that both the federal and provincial governments were facing economic challenges, adding that provinces had repeatedly made sacrifices in the national interest. He welcomed what he described as a cooperative approach by provincial governments, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in addressing national issues despite political differences.
The PPP chairman argued that BISP had become a vital tool in combating poverty and supporting low-income households. He highlighted the programme’s contribution during national emergencies, including the Covid-19 pandemic and devastating floods, when financial assistance was provided to millions of affected families.
Referring to international assessments, Bilawal said global institutions had acknowledged BISP as one of Pakistan’s most successful social protection initiatives. He stressed that efforts to reduce poverty should focus on strengthening rather than scaling back the programme.
Bilawal also welcomed the government’s decision to increase allocations for BISP, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assured his party that the programme would continue to expand despite criticism and negative propaganda.
He further argued that strengthening social welfare programmes helps build public trust and contributes to countering social instability and extremism by addressing the economic concerns of ordinary citizens.
The Benazir Income Support Programme remains Pakistan’s largest cash assistance initiative, providing financial support to millions of low-income households across the country.