Kafaalat Payment System

The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a landmark initiative by the Government of Pakistan, aimed at providing financial assistance to the country’s most vulnerable families. Launched in 2008, the program offers cash transfers to the poorest segments of society to improve their living conditions. Over the years, BISP has evolved, adapting to new technological trends and policy needs. After a significant gap of four years, the government has introduced a new payment system for the Benazir Kafaalat Program, part of the broader BISP initiative, bringing substantial improvements for the beneficiaries.

The New Kafaalat Payment System: Key Highlights

The BISP Kafaalat payment system is critical in ensuring that financial support reaches millions of Pakistani families. In 2024, the government revamped the payment structure, enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency.

1. Inclusion of Six New Banks

One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of six additional banks in the BISP payment network. Previously, the beneficiaries could only collect their funds from designated banks, which often resulted in long queues, delays, and system outages. The inclusion of more banks broadens access and makes the process smoother, especially for those living in remote and underserved areas.

2. Digital Payments Through Multiple Channels

In response to the growing digitalization in financial services, the new Kafaalat payment system integrates JazzCash and EasyPaisa, Pakistan’s leading mobile wallet services. This shift allows recipients to receive funds directly into their mobile accounts, reducing their dependence on physical banks or ATMs. This transformation addresses the issue of geographical constraints, as beneficiaries no longer need to travel far to withdraw their payments.

3. Biometric Verification for Security

The new payment system emphasizes biometric verification to ensure that payments are directed to the correct beneficiaries. Each time a payment is made, the recipient’s identity is verified using their fingerprints, ensuring that only eligible individuals can withdraw the funds. This helps eliminate fraudulent claims, ghost beneficiaries, and unauthorized access to the cash.

4. Reinstatement of ATMs and Benazir Debit Cards

Another significant aspect of the new system is the reintroduction of Benazir Debit Cards. After a suspension in previous years, these cards are being distributed once again, allowing beneficiaries to withdraw funds from any ATM in the country. This system restores convenience and autonomy to the users, as they can now access their cash on demand. With improved security and integration with the banking system, the new cards provide a more reliable alternative to older cash-based methods.

5. Dynamic Survey and Data Updates

The updated Kafaalat payment system also comes with a new dynamic survey that ensures better targeting of beneficiaries. This survey regularly updates the program’s database to account for changes in households’ financial situations. By doing this, the government can guarantee that only the most deserving families continue to receive assistance, while ineligible households are removed from the program. This data-driven approach is part of the overall effort to improve resource allocation and reduce waste.

6. Increased Financial Support

Under the revamped system, the monthly payment for Kafaalat beneficiaries has been increased to PKR 10,500. This amount is disbursed quarterly, providing households with PKR 31,500 every three months. This increment reflects the rising cost of living and inflation in the country, ensuring that the beneficiaries can meet their basic needs with more substantial support.

7. Integration of BISP’s Other Programs

The Kafaalat payment system is also better integrated with other BISP initiatives, including Benazir Nashonuma, Benazir Taleemi Wazifa, and the Benazir Graduation Program. This integration ensures that families benefiting from these programs can access all forms of financial assistance through a unified system, simplifying processes and reducing duplication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Benazir Kafaalat Program?

The Benazir Kafaalat Program is a social safety net initiative under BISP, aimed at providing financial assistance to the poorest families in Pakistan. Eligible households receive a quarterly stipend to help meet their basic needs.

2. What are the main changes in the new Kafaalat payment system?

The new system introduces six additional banks, expands digital payment options (including JazzCash and EasyPaisa), reintroduces Benazir Debit Cards, emphasizes biometric verification, and offers more financial support to beneficiaries.

3. How can beneficiaries receive their payments?

Beneficiaries can withdraw their payments from designated ATMs using the Benazir Debit Cards or transfer funds to their JazzCash or EasyPaisa accounts for direct mobile access. Biometric verification is required for security during payment collection.

4. How does biometric verification work?

Biometric verification ensures that only the eligible recipient can access the funds. The system checks the beneficiary’s fingerprints to verify their identity during the withdrawal process at ATMs or other payment points.

5. Can beneficiaries choose between banks or mobile wallets for their payments?

Yes, beneficiaries now have the flexibility to select how they receive their payments. They can choose to withdraw funds from ATMs using Benazir Debit Cards, collect payments from their designated banks, or opt for mobile wallets like JazzCash or EasyPaisa.

6. What is the amount paid under the Kafaalat Program?

Under the updated system, beneficiaries receive PKR 10,500 every quarter, amounting to PKR 31,500 per year. This increase ensures better financial support to low-income households.

7. What is the purpose of the dynamic survey?

The dynamic survey regularly updates the beneficiary database to reflect changes in household financial conditions. This ensures that only eligible families receive payments, preventing ineligible households from continuing to benefit from the program.

8. How do I know if I am eligible for the Kafaalat Program?

You can check your eligibility by visiting the 8171 portal or sending your CNIC number via SMS to 8171. The system will respond with your current eligibility status and further instructions.

9. What happens if I am no longer eligible for the program?

If your household’s financial situation improves, or if you no longer meet the criteria for receiving assistance, you will be removed from the list of beneficiaries through the dynamic survey. In such cases, you will be notified, and your payments will be discontinued.

10. Is there any helpline for the Kafaalat Program?

Yes, BISP has a dedicated helpline number (0800-26477) that beneficiaries can call for any queries regarding payments, eligibility, or registration.

11. What other benefits does the new payment system provide?

The revamped payment system enhances transparency, minimizes fraud, improves convenience for beneficiaries, and reduces dependency on physical bank visits by offering multiple payment channels.

12. What should I do if I face issues with payments?

If you encounter any issues regarding payments, including delays or incorrect amounts, you should immediately contact the BISP helpline, visit your nearest BISP center, or reach out to the designated bank for assistance.

Conclusion

The introduction of the new Kafaalat payment system marks a significant improvement in the delivery of financial assistance to vulnerable families across Pakistan. By adopting digital technologies, adding more banks to the payment network, and ensuring better security measures through biometric verification, the government has taken essential steps to make the BISP Kafaalat Program more efficient, transparent, and accessible to those who need it the most. This upgrade reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of low-income families and promoting social equity in the country.