ISLAMABAD: Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri on Friday revealed that budget of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) program has been increased from Rs235 to 400 billion.
Addressing a news conference along with Special Assistant to PM on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi here on Friday, she said that nine million families were part of the BISP Kafalat program, adding stipend under BISP has been increased from Rs7,000 to Rs8,750.
Shazia Marri informed that as many Rs70 billion were disbursed to 2.8 million flood affected families of the country.
She blamed that due to imprudent policies of PTI government, poor and middle class people were suffering from the price hike.
She said families availing Benazir Taleemi Wazaif had increased from 2.6 million to 7.1 million. She said Benzir Nashonuma had also been expanded to all over the country and 474 facilitation centers have been set up in this regard.
She said transgender community was facing social economic challenges and therefore, transgenders have also been included in BISP program. She asked the trans-community to get themselves registered at tehsil offices of BISP.
Commenting on prevailing political situation in the country, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi said Pakistan People’s Party believes in dialogue for a way forward to steer country out of the prevailing crisis. He said that constitution of Pakistan is supreme and it should be followed.
He said the PPP has formed a special committee, comprising three members, to develop a consensus among political parties for dialogue. He expressed the hope that opposition would come forward for table talks.
