CHAIRPERSON BISP SENATOR RUBINA KHALID INAUGURATES BENAZIR NASHONUMA FACILITATION CENTER AT MAULVI AMIR SHAH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, PESHAWAR

Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, today inaugurated the Benazir Nashonuma Facilitation Center at Maulvi Amir Shah Memorial Hospital in Peshawar, established to provide health and nutrition services to deserving women and their children. Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF were also present on the occasion.

The Chairperson reviewed in detail the health and nutrition services being provided to mothers and children at the facility. She was given a comprehensive briefing by the staff on various components of the programme. Senator Rubina Khalid also interacted with women and children receiving services at the centre and inquired about the quality of medical and nutritional support being extended to them.
Speaking to the media, Senator Rubina Khalid said that more than 160 Benazir Nashonuma centres have been established across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the support of the World Food Programme, out of which 10 centres are operational in Peshawar alone. She stated that growth stunting remains a major public health challenge in Pakistan and is being addressed through targeted interventions under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. She further stated that over 4.3 million deserving women and children nationwide are benefiting from this initiative.
She emphasized the need to conduct regular training workshops for doctors and Lady Health Workers to ensure early diagnosis of health conditions and timely referral of patients to Nashonuma facilities where required.
Senator Rubina Khalid further stated that, in view of the blessed month of Ramadan, BISP is extending special relief to BISP beneficiaries. The quarterly stipend under the Benazir Kafalat Programme has been increased by Rs. 1,000, raising the payment from Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 14,500. Similarly, stipends under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme and Benazir Taleemi Wazaif have also been increased by Rs. 500.
She added that, on the special instructions of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a Digital Wallet system has been introduced to ensure transparency in payments and to enable women to receive their funds in a dignified and secure manner. She highlighted that, for the first time in the country’s history, financial inclusion of 10 million women is being ensured, marking a significant milestone in women’s economic empowerment. She advised beneficiaries to obtain free SIMs for Digital Wallets only from BISP offices or designated campsite locations.
The Chairperson stated that the programme is named after Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and urged women to draw inspiration from her courage and struggle by raising their voice against any injustice. She reiterated that stipend amounts are the legitimate right of beneficiaries and any deduction should be reported immediately for strict action against those responsible.
She further informed that Mobile Registration Vans are being operationalized in merged districts to facilitate enrollment of deserving individuals residing in remote areas.
Highlighting the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid said that thousands of youth have already been registered for skills training. Consultations are underway with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to link these individuals with accredited training institutions so that, upon completion of training, they can access dignified employment opportunities.