Her Money, Her Control
© GIZ
Discover how the Benazir Income Support Programme, with support from the EU and Germany, is empowering women across Pakistan through Digital Social Protection Wallets — giving them secure, dignified access to what is rightfully theirs and moving the country toward a cashless future.
Across Pakistan, millions of women enrolled in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) still face a long and exhausting journey just to collect their stipends in cash. Many leave their homes before sunrise, travel for hours from remote villages, wait in crowded queues, and deal with a limited number of payment points. Managing their money safely under these circumstances is never easy.
A Digital Solution in the Making
BISP, with support from the European Union and the Government of Germany, is now taking steps to change this reality. The programme is moving toward social protection wallets — a digital solution designed to give women not only access to their funds but also greater control, convenience, and security in managing them.
A Shared Vision for a Cashless Pakistan
On 31 July 2025, in a bustling hall in Islamabad, government leaders, regulators, financial institutions, telecom providers, and international partners gathered to shape a shared vision: building a more inclusive, cashless Pakistan.
Expanding Digital Wallets
Frank Schneider, Senior Policy Advisor at GIZ, underscored the importance of expanding digital wallets as part of this vision. “We are here today in Islamabad to discuss the cashless economy. We are identifying opportunities to expand the use of digital wallets in Pakistan, especially to BISP beneficiaries.”
The principle behind this shift is simple but powerful: every rupee should reach the right hands — without cuts, exploitation, or unnecessary hurdles.
Reaffirming BISP’s Mission
BISP Secretary Amir Ahmed reminded participants that while the programme’s mission remains the same, the way it delivers support is evolving. “Benazir Income Support Programme’s mission has always been to deliver money to the rightful hands, free of exploitation, free of cuts, free of hurdles. The shift to digital wallets can cut costs, stop leakages, and give families true ownership of what is theirs.”
That ownership is not only about secure transfers — it is also about dignity.
Dignity and Trust at the Core
Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid spoke about this human dimension. “It’s about dignity. A woman stepping out of her home, head held high, knowing her payment is hers alone.” She emphasised that biometric verification must remain in place, freedom of choice must be preserved, and trust must be built — three non-negotiable pillars of the transition.
An Ambitious National Vision
Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani highlighted how BISP has grown even in difficult economic times. “Despite tough economic times, BISP’s budget has grown because it works. It empowers one crore families.” He also announced an ambitious national goal: to digitise all government payments within 18 months, backed by clear targets and accountability.
From Dialogue to Design
The first panel discussion, “Transition to Digital Wallet-Based Disbursements – Implementation Challenges,” explored how to turn this ambition into reality. One message stood out: “A wallet alone is not the solution.” Speakers stressed that social protection wallets should help women build digital financial habits, enabling them to save, spend, and manage their resources independently.
A recurring theme was interoperability — ensuring that women, regardless of which bank, mobile network, or ID they have, can access their money anywhere, anytime. “Experts emphasized that the true goal is not just transferring money, but building digital habits — helping women save, spend, and grow their financial autonomy.” As one participant noted, “This freedom of choice means real empowerment — but only if the entire system works seamlessly.”
The Role of Regulators
The second panel, “Role of Regulators in Overcoming Implementation Barriers,” brought together representatives from NADRA, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Pakistan Mobile Database (PMD). Each institution plays a crucial role in building a secure and user-friendly digital payment system. NADRA is introducing facial and iris recognition to help women whose fingerprints no longer work, particularly older women. PTA is tackling SIM fraud, especially in rural areas. PMD ensures that mobile numbers match national ID records. SBP is simplifying account opening procedures and strengthening consumer protection.
All agreed on one point: without digital literacy, these changes will not succeed. “Women need simple, trusted tools in their own language — with visuals, icons, and instructions they can understand — to use their wallets safely, and with confidence.”
Getting Practical
In breakout sessions, participants moved from ideas to planning. They discussed how to expand agent networks in rural areas and how to design a unified mobile app where women can choose their wallet provider, check balances, file complaints, and get voice-based support. Accessibility for women with low literacy levels was a consistent priority, with voice navigation and intuitive visuals seen as essential.
Above all, participants agreed that digital trust is key. Women need to see the value of keeping money in their wallets — whether it is paying bills, buying groceries, or saving for the future. As one reminder went, “If the system isn’t trusted, it won’t be used.”
Building the Future Together
As the day drew to a close, a sense of shared purpose filled the room. “Together, government, regulators, banks, telecom providers, and international partners, we are building a more inclusive, cashless Pakistan.”
The move to Social Protection Wallets is not simply a technological upgrade. It is about empowering women, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring that what belongs to them reaches them — securely, efficiently, and with dignity.
Farman Nawaz
August 2025