Government considers handing BISP administration to provinces

The federal government is reportedly considering transferring the administrative control of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to provincial governments, according to comments made by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dilas Kohistani.

Speaking to Geo News, the minister said that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, most governing powers have already been devolved to provinces, and therefore it is being argued that financial assistance programmes should also be managed at the provincial level.

He noted that some provincial governments have also raised similar demands, suggesting that decentralising social welfare payments could improve efficiency and local oversight. However, he clarified that no final decision has been taken yet and any move in this regard would be made only after consultation with coalition partners and relevant political stakeholders.

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The minister emphasized that the government is not considering the complete abolition of the Benazir Income Support Programme, which remains a key social safety net for low-income households across the country. Instead, discussions are focused on its administrative restructuring and potential redistribution of responsibilities.

BISP is Pakistan’s largest cash transfer programme, designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable families, particularly women-led households, to help reduce poverty and improve living standards. Any structural changes to its management would have significant implications for millions of beneficiaries nationwide.

Officials say the debate reflects broader discussions on fiscal federalism and the balance of power between the federal government and provinces, especially in the wake of the 18th Amendment, which expanded provincial autonomy in several sectors.

The government is expected to continue consultations before making any formal announcement regarding changes to the programme’s structure or implementation mechanism.