ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety has urged the prompt appointment of a Managing Director for Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM).
The recommendation came during a meeting chaired by Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij at Parliament House, with members including Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, Senator Jaan Muhammad, Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, Senator Rubina QaimKhani, and senior management from the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety in attendance.
The committee was briefed on the operations and achievements of the Ministry and its associated departments, including the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Pakistan Bait ul Mal, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), and Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO).
A notable initiative discussed was the National Poverty Graduation Programme (NPGP), a collaborative effort between the Government of Pakistan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at providing monetary support and training to enhance the livelihoods of deserving individuals.
Initially implemented in 21 districts with a budget of USD 132.6 million, the NPGP is set to expand to four additional districts in its second phase with support from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).
The committee also reviewed the allocation of BISP funds for Balochistan, where approximately 650,000 to 700,000 families qualify for support.
It was revealed that an additional 5% of total funds had been designated for the province, with recommendations to increase this allocation due to the high poverty rate in the region. The committee advocated for direct beneficiary engagement, proposing the removal of intermediary agents to streamline support.
Further discussions highlighted BISP’s new partnerships with six banks to facilitate direct bank payments, and plans to distribute handouts at the union council level to improve transparency.
The absence of a Managing Director at Bait ul Mal for over eight months was a critical concern. The committee emphasized the importance of filling this vacancy urgently to ensure effective governance and support for those in need.
