Breaking News: The government has launched a massive 39 Billion Rupee Poverty Graduation Program to lift families out of poverty for good, moving beyond cash aid to create sustainable livelihoods. This isn’t just another aid scheme—it’s a 4-year plan to transform lives in Pakistan’s 25 most underdeveloped districts by providing assets, skills, and interest-free loans. If you’ve been dependent on BISP, this program could be your pathway to financial independence.
The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has approved this landmark initiative to expand Pakistan’s efforts to transition deserving families from cash assistance to sustainable livelihoods. Building on the success of previous phases, this program focuses on creating permanent income sources, not just temporary relief.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | 39 Billion Pakistani Rupees |
| Program Duration | 2026 to 2029 (4 Years) |
| Target Areas | 25 Districts across Pakistan |
| Core Focus | Transparency, Accountability, Measurable Results |
| Previous Success | 179,000 new jobs created, 96,000 families graduated from poverty |
What is the Poverty Graduation Program?
Unlike regular cash grants (like BISP’s Kafaalat), this program is designed to “graduate” families out of poverty permanently. It provides a comprehensive package to help them start their own small businesses or gain skilled employment.
- Productive Assets: Beneficiaries receive livestock, sewing machines, toolkits, or other items to start income-generating work.
- Interest-Free Loans (Qarz-e-Hasna): Seed funding is provided without interest to help scale up their small enterprises.
- Skills & Livelihood Training: Tailored training programs to equip beneficiaries with market-relevant skills.
- Continuous Mentoring: Ongoing support and guidance to ensure their ventures succeed.
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Which Districts Will Be Included?
The program will be implemented across 25 selected districts nationwide. While the official list is being finalized, the focus will be on the most underdeveloped regions across all four provinces. The previous successful phase covered 21 backward districts.
How Will the Poverty Graduation Program Work? (Step-by-Step Process)
The government has outlined a structured approach to ensure effectiveness:
- Identification: Eligible families from the BISP database and NSER survey in target districts will be identified.
- Selection & Agreement: Families will be selected based on criteria and must agree to participate actively.
- Asset Transfer & Training: They will receive the asset package along with necessary skills training.
- Mentoring Phase: Regular follow-ups and business support will be provided for several months.
- Graduation: After achieving a stable income, they will officially “graduate” from cash support programs.
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Transparency & Digital Monitoring System
| Initiative | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Audits | Independent verification of funds and results. |
| Digital Social Protection Dashboard | Real-time tracking of progress with Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. |
| Biometric Payment System | Ensuring aid reaches the right person, reducing fraud. |
| Grievance Redressal System | A dedicated channel to resolve beneficiaries’ complaints. |
What Was the Success of the Previous Program?
The ministry revealed outstanding results from the completed National Poverty Graduation Program:
- 179,000 new employment opportunities were created.
- 96,000 families permanently lifted out of poverty.
- Facilitated the transition of vulnerable families from BISP to dignified income sources.
This proven success is the model for the new, larger 39 billion rupee initiative.
How is BISP Evolving Alongside This?
The Benazir Income Support Program is also transforming:
- Expanded Coverage: BISP now covers 10 million families across Pakistan.
- Dynamic Exit & Entry: Under the Dynamic Registry, 400,000 families have graduated out of the program due to improved finances, while 3.6 million new eligible families have been added.
- Digital Payments: Aligning with the Prime Minister’s cashless vision, payments are shifting to digital wallets, enhancing transparency and ensuring timely aid.
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Who is Likely to Be Eligible?
While detailed criteria will be announced for the new districts, eligibility will likely be based on:
- Being a current or recent BISP beneficiary in good standing.
- Residing in one of the 25 selected program districts.
- Demonstrating a willingness and capacity to engage in skills training or small business.
- Having a valid CNIC and being part of the NSER survey.
Conclusion
The new 39 Billion Rupee Poverty Graduation Program represents a strategic shift in Pakistan’s social protection framework—from giving a fish to teaching how to fish. For families stuck in the cycle of poverty, this initiative offers a tangible path to self-reliance through assets, skills, and support. Citizens in the selected districts should stay informed through official Ministry of Poverty Alleviation channels for updates on registration and eligibility. This program, coupled with a more transparent and digital BISP, aims to deliver aid with dignity, accountability, and life-changing results.
This article is for informational purposes only. SmartFixers.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official government sources before taking any action.
Our editorial team publishes original and informational content for educational purposes only.
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