Sindh to give extra BISP-based aid to drought-hit Tharparkar families

Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), said the Sindh government has prepared a special financial assistance programme for poor and deserving families affected by drought in Tharparkar. According to a statement issued on Monday, she chaired a meeting at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in the district.

The assistance will be given in addition to the support families already receive from BISP. Speaking to media in Mithi, Khalid said a survey of eligible people has been completed and those with a poverty score below 32 are receiving aid. If the Sindh government raises that limit, more families would become eligible, she said.

To handle complaints, a dedicated control centre will be set up at the Deputy Commissioner's office so beneficiaries' problems can be resolved quickly. Beneficiaries are being geo-tagged and digital wallet accounts are being opened for them. Six banks have been authorised to make the payments.

Khalid warned of strict action against anyone involved in illegal deductions or financial irregularities. An accountability process has begun on complaints, and she said no one involved in corruption would be spared. She also urged stakeholders not to politicise the programme.

Khalid said the programme was not charity but financial assistance aimed at reducing the economic difficulties of vulnerable families. She also said more than 60 million people across Pakistan benefit from BISP, about 12 million children receive Kafalat-related assistance, and 2.2 million women are supported under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.

BISP Director General Sanaullah Rind told her that BISP offices operate in all seven tehsils of Tharparkar. According to him, about 126,000 women in the district benefit from BISP and nearly 152,000 children receive assistance under the relevant programme.

Earlier, Khalid met elected representatives and district officials to review the drought and the problems beneficiaries face, including illegal deductions and irregularities by payment device operators. Several senators, MNAs and MPAs attended, along with Mirpurkhas Division Commissioner Shamir Khan Bhutto and Tharparkar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Haleem Jageerani.