ISLAMABAD; PPP leader and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday stressed that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) remained the “most effective mechanism” for delivering assistance to flood-affected families, cautioning that ignoring it would be “irresponsible.”
Her remarks followed Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari’s announcement that the provincial government would issue its own relief cards instead of using BISP to support victims of the recent floods. Over the past month, PPP leadership has consistently urged the federal government to channel aid through BISP, citing its extensive data system and proven track record in reaching vulnerable citizens.
In a post on X, Aseefa highlighted that more than four million people had been impacted by the devastating floods in Punjab. She said BISP was the “fastest and most reliable” platform to ensure timely delivery of aid, adding that bypassing it would undermine efficiency.
The programme, established as Pakistan’s flagship social safety net, provides cash assistance to poor households, particularly women. PPP leaders, including Vice President Sherry Rehman, have repeatedly pressed for its utilisation in ongoing relief efforts.
However, Punjab officials maintain their preference for a provincial mechanism. At a press conference, Azma Bokhari defended the government’s plan, stating the relief cards would guarantee transparency and direct access for victims. Taking aim at PPP, she added: “Should we take advice from those who turned Sindh into archaeological ruins?”
The Punjab government has already announced a relief package, including Rs20,000 per acre for damaged crops, Rs1 million for destroyed houses, Rs500,000 for partially damaged homes, and Rs500,000 for lost livestock.
Meanwhile, PML-N leader and PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah recently dismissed the idea of using BISP, arguing that it was financially unsustainable and required either a complete overhaul or termination in its current form.
