Latest news with #NationalAssemblyStandingCommitteeonPovertyAlleviationandSocialSafety
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
NA body voices its concern over escalating poverty rate
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety expressed serious concern over the country's escalating poverty rate - now nearing 50 percent and highlighted persistent inefficiencies at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries' point-of-sale camps where beneficiaries face undue hardship. The committee meeting presided over by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, was convened to evaluate and expedite the transition of social protection mechanisms towards a more transparent, technology-driven system with minimal human intervention. Talpur contextualised Pakistan's social protection framework and emphasised the original intent of the income support mechanism: to minimise human intervention in the disbursement of financial assistance, thereby, ensuring dignity and transparency. The committee noted with dissatisfaction the delay in launching the digital banking pilot project, which was initially scheduled for rollout by June. In response, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) official stated that while most technical and backend components have been completed, the remaining procedural approvals are in their final stages. The pilot is now expected to launch by the end of the current month. The initiative will integrate formal banking channels, leveraging geotagged branches and simplified account-opening procedures developed in collaboration with the BISP. The SBP conveyed its assurance that the project—developed over the past year—would be operational within a week, with the first beneficiary accounts to be opened by 15 August 2025. Initially, the pilot will be implemented in seven districts and one additional district of Muzaffargarh, followed by a six-month evaluation (two quarters) to assess outcomes before scaling it nationwide. To improve access and efficiency, SBP plans to expand ATM networks, implement a staggered distribution mechanism to reduce congestion, and gradually introduce digital wallets. Biometric verification will serve as the primary method of authentication, with debit cards issued only where fingerprints are unreadable. The banking industry is now fully onboard, and API integration testing is nearing completion. Two-factor authentication mechanisms are also under consideration to further secure payments. The committee members expressed concern regarding the treatment of beneficiaries at bank branches and campsites. The Acting Governor SBP reiterated its commitment to safeguarding customer dignity and ensuring access to full banking services, including interoperability and secure fund transfers. The committee discussions also underscored the need to integrate cellular networks mobile repository data through the Pakistan Telecommunication Author-ity (PTA) to enhance biometric reliability and reach. On the institutional front, BISP reported that out of 3,486 sanctioned posts; only 2,347 are currently filled, with only 1,858 positions currently held by BISP regular staff. The committee was informed that excessive reliance on deputation staff compromises institutional continuity and drives up operational costs. The Finance Division clarified that recruitment policy falls under the Cabinet and Establishment Division's purview. As Pakistan remains under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, hiring decisions must comply with fiscal and administrative frameworks. The committee urged BISP to engage with the Establishment Division and Finance Ministry to address the staffing shortfall. It was mutually agreed that a coordinated approach is required to ensure timely resolution. Additionally, BISP will relocate offices to underserved tehsils such as Munda and Balambat to improve accessibility. The meeting concluded with a consensus to expedite the pilot rollout, while maintaining strict oversight to uphold transparency, protect beneficiary rights, and integrate vulnerable populations into formal banking systems. The committee was attended by the following Members of the National Assembly: Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, Ahmad AteeqAnwer, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Muhammad Bashir Khan, Jamshaid Ahmad, Misbahuddin, Shahid Usman, Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar, Shafqat Abbas, Mohammad Ilyas Choudhary, Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali and whereas, Aniqa Mehdi attended the meeting virtually. The federal secretary of Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, and senior officers of the Ministry Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Finance, Planning Development and Special Initiatives and representatives from its allied departments, including BISP, PPAF and TVO were also in attendance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Digital banking pilot project delayed
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has called for urgent reforms to ensure Pakistan's social protection system transitions to a fully transparent, technology-driven model with minimal human intervention. Chairing the 10th session of the Committee at Parliament House, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur emphasised the original intent behind income support mechanismsreducing human interference to uphold dignity and ensure efficient, transparent disbursement of financial aid. He raised alarm over the country's rising poverty rate, now approaching 50 percent, and expressed dissatisfaction with persistent hardships faced by Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries at point-of-sale camps. The committee voiced concern over delays in launching the much-anticipated digital banking pilot project, initially slated for June. In response, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) assured that most backend systems are ready and procedural approvals are nearing completion. The pilot is now expected to launch by the end of July, with beneficiary accounts opening by August 15. Initially covering seven districts and Muzzafargarh, the pilot will integrate geotagged banking services, simplified account opening, and biometric verification. Debit cards will be issued only in cases where fingerprint authentication fails. The rollout will be followed by a six-month evaluation before a nationwide scale-up. To reduce congestion and enhance accessibility, SBP plans to expand ATM networks, introduce staggered payment distribution, and roll out digital wallets. API integration testing and two-factor authentication mechanisms are also in final stages. The committee members expressed concern over treatment of beneficiaries at banks and campsite branches. The Acting Governor SBP reiterated the banking sector's commitment to maintaining dignity, security, and full service access for all beneficiaries. The Committee also urged PTA integration of mobile data repositories to improve biometric reliability in remote areas. On the institutional front, BISP revealed that of the 3,486 sanctioned posts, only 2,347 are filled, with 1,858 regular staff. The Committee noted that heavy reliance on deputation staff undermines institutional sustainability and raises costs. The Finance Division clarified that recruitment falls under the Cabinet and Establishment Division, and must comply with IMF-imposed fiscal restrictions. The committee urged BISP to work closely with the relevant ministries to address the staffing shortfall and approved relocation of BISP offices to underserved tehsils like Munda and Balambat to improve outreach. The meeting concluded with a consensus to fast-track the digital pilot rollout while ensuring robust oversight, transparency, and protection of beneficiary rights. Those attended the meeting were MNAs Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, Ahmad Ateeq Anwer, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Muhammad Bashir Khan, Jamshaid Ahmad, Misbah Uddin, Shahid Usman, Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar, Shafqat Abbas, Mohammad Ilyas Choudhary, Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, and Aniqa Mehdi (virtually).
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Thousands of NGOs operate without oversight
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety was told on Tuesday that over 18,000 NGOs operate nationwide, but only about 1,000 were officially registered, with the vast majority flying under the radar. The committee expressed grave concern over the presence of unregistered NGOs, terming them a potential threat to sensitive national matters, and recommended the formulation of a national framework to regulate the sector. During the meeting, officials also briefed the committee on the progress of various welfare projects, particularly regarding the deadlines given for their completion. The committee expressed serious concern over the delays in timely execution and demanded greater accountability. Expressing displeasure over the incompletion of a pilot project that was supposed to be finalised in July, the committee summoned the Secretary Finance and the Secretary for Industries and Production to appear in the next session. The committee also called on the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and heads of private banks to appear before the panel in the upcoming meeting to review coordination issues linked with poverty reduction programmes. Briefing the committee on the Prime Minister's Ramazan Relief Package, officials revealed that 2.7 million out of 3.5 million deserving families had been provided assistance through digital wallets.
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA panel approves Zakat and Ushr bill
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Monday constituted a subcommittee to strengthen oversight of BISP's newly proposed payment disbursement model. The committee chaired by Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, convened its meeting at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) headquarters, to deliberate on key issues related to the social protection systems in the country. The subcommittee will monitor the implementation of the payment model to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness. MNA Ahmed Atteeq Anwar presented a comprehensive briefing on the subcommittee's previous findings, which were unanimously endorsed by the committee for their meticulous approach. The committee expressed concern over the unexplained absence of the Secretary of the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, directing that all future absences be formally communicated in writing well in advance. The committee also approved the Zakat and Ushr (Amendment) Bill 2025, presented by Shazia Marri, MNA, marking a significant legislative milestone to improve the distribution of Zakat funds. The Managing Director of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) briefed the committee on the organization's operational framework and upcoming nationwide awareness campaign. He announced a collaborative food distribution initiative with 33 private vendors and invited committee members to visit PBM's responsive call center. The BISP chairperson raised concerns about the lack of a dedicated BISP cadre and the staff shortage due to the government's recruitment ban since 2012, compelling the organization to rely heavily on deputationists. The committee directed the Secretary of BISP to submit a comprehensive staffing proposal to the government.
