ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (APP): The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has planned to launch a new Rs39 billion Poverty Graduation Programme, aimed at expanding Pakistan\u2019s efforts to move deserving families from cash assistance to sustainable livelihoods.
\nThe four-year programme, running from 2026 to 2029, will be implemented in 25 districts across the country with a strong focus on transparency, accountability and measurable impact.
\nThe Ministry also revealed the successful completion of the National Poverty Graduation Programme in 21 underdeveloped districts across all four provinces, which facilitated the transition of vulnerable families from Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) cash support to dignified and sustainable sources of income.
\nUnder the completed programme, beneficiaries were provided productive assets, interest-free loans, livelihood training and skills development, resulting in the creation of 179,000 new employment opportunities, while 96,000 families permanently graduated out of poverty, according to the ministry.
\nThe Ministry said that the new initiative would be monitored through independent evaluations, third-party audits and an effective grievance redressal system to ensure credibility and transparency.
\nIt said that in collaboration with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, a Digital Social Protection Dashboard had been developed to strengthen reporting, transparency and evidence-based policymaking at federal and provincial levels.
\nThe coverage of the Benazir Income Support Programme has been expanded to 10 million families nationwide.
\nUnder the ongoing Dynamic Registry Survey, four million families have exited the Kafalat programme after showing financial improvement, while 3.6 million newly eligible families have been included.
\nIn line with the Prime Minister\u2019s vision of a cashless economy, payments through digital wallets have been initiated, significantly improving transparency, reducing leakages and ensuring timely disbursements.
\nPakistan Bait-ul-Mal has also digitised its individual financial assistance system and enhanced support for orphans, women, persons with disabilities and labourers. To further strengthen accountability, a biometric payment system is being introduced.
\nIt said the wide-ranging reforms have produced verifiable results, strengthened public trust, and ensured that poor and vulnerable families are receiving assistance with dignity, transparency and accountability.
\nThe Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to further expanding social protection initiatives and ensuring comprehensive support reaches deserving segments of society.<\/p>\n