Benazir Kafalat Program Payments Stopped – Know the Reason and Solution
The Benazir Kafalat Program is one of the main support programs under BISP that gives financial help to poor and deserving women across Pakistan. Many women depend on this money to manage their homes, children’s education, and daily needs.
But recently, payments in Sindh have suddenly stopped, which has created tension and confusion among many women. Let’s understand what happened, why it happened, and how it will be fixed.
Why the Payments Were Stopped
According to reports, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a surprise raid at a payment camp in Badin, Sindh. The raid happened after complaints that some retailers and agents were cutting money illegally from women’s payments.
During this raid, the FIA arrested 7 to 10 people, including some BISP workers and retailers, and seized around Rs. 5 million in cash.
After this, several BISP staff members protested, saying that they were not informed before the raid. Because of the protest, payments from all camps in Sindh were stopped temporarily. This step was taken to make sure that the system becomes clean and transparent before starting again.
Main Reasons for Payment Suspension
- Complaints about illegal cuts and corruption at payment camps.
- FIA raid without informing BISP in advance.
- Arrest of several workers and retailers during the raid.
- Protest by BISP staff in Sindh.
- Temporary pause in payments to ensure a proper investigation.
Effect on Women in Sindh
This sudden stop has caused a lot of trouble for women in Sindh, especially in Badin, Tharparkar, and Sanghar. Many women traveled long distances and even borrowed money to collect their payments but had to return home empty-handed.
However, payments are still continuing normally in other provinces like Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Buner), camp payments are paused, but women can still collect money from authorized retailers.
Current Situation by Province
| Province | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sindh (Badin and others) | Payments stopped | Due to FIA raid and protests |
| Punjab | Normal | Payments continue through camps and retailers |
| Balochistan | Normal | No issue reported |
| Islamabad | Normal | Payments continue |
| KPK (Buner) | Partial | Retailers allowed, camps paused |
BISP’s Official Statement
BISP officials said that they were not told in advance about the FIA operation. They support transparency and action against corruption but said the sudden raid caused problems for thousands of poor women.
BISP is now in contact with FIA to restart payments soon and to make sure future checks do not stop services for beneficiaries. Payments will resume shortly after the investigation ends.
What Affected Women Should Do
If your payment has stopped, don’t panic. Follow these simple steps:
- Do not visit camps until an official notice is announced.
- Check your payment status by sending your CNIC number to 8171 or by visiting the 8171 web portal.
- If needed, visit your nearest BISP office for information.
- Keep your original CNIC, registration slip, and payment SMS safe.
- Collect money only from authorized retailers once payments start again.
- Report any illegal cuts or complaints to your area BISP office.
- Wait for official updates before traveling again for payment.
Steps to Avoid Such Issues in the Future
To stop such problems from happening again, the government is planning to make the system more transparent.
Some long-term improvements include:
- Digital record for every transaction.
- Biometric verification at all payment points.
- Regular joint audits by BISP and FIA.
- Awareness campaigns to educate women about their rights.
- Strict action against anyone found taking illegal deductions.
These steps will help make sure that every rupee reaches the right person safely.
How to Get Real Updates
To stay updated, always check official sources only — not social media rumors.
You can confirm updates from:
- BISP official website: bisp.gov.pk
- 8171 SMS service and web portal
- Your nearest BISP office
Conclusion
The temporary stop in Benazir Kafalat payments in Sindh is due to an ongoing investigation. This step was taken to eliminate corruption and ensure a fair process for everyone.
Women are requested to stay calm and wait for the official restart. Once the inquiry is complete, payments will resume, and all eligible women will receive their pending funds.
To stay informed, always check your payment through 8171 and stay connected with your local BISP office