BISP Fraud Scandal
BISP Fraud Scandal: The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) was created to support Pakistan’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens. But recent revelations have exposed a shocking misuse of this welfare scheme, where 120,000 taxpayers, including government officials and their spouses, illegally received billions of rupees in payments.
120,000 Taxpayers Received Over Rs 4 Billion from BISP
Audit reports have revealed that around 120,000 individuals who are not eligible under the BISP criteria still received financial support through the program. These individuals were found to be active taxpayers and collectively received more than Rs 4 billion in payments from BISP funds.
Out of these:
- 30,307 people are directly listed in the Active Taxpayer List (ATL).
- In 88,892 cases, either the husband or the wife is listed as an active taxpayer.
This misuse not only violates the program’s criteria but also raises serious questions about the monitoring system of the BISP.
Wheat Prices hit Record High in Punjab due to Floods
Violation of BISP Eligibility Rules
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is designed to help the underprivileged and unemployed segments of society. According to its rules:
- Taxpayers, government employees, and their families are not eligible for financial aid under BISP.
- The program targets those below the poverty line, with no formal income or job security.
However, the recent audit uncovered that thousands of undeserving individuals, including those paying taxes and holding government positions, were listed as beneficiaries.
Audit Authorities Declare Payments Illegal
The audit authorities have declared these payments to undeserving people as illegal. They have formally ordered a detailed inquiry into how such individuals were able to enroll in the program and receive payments without proper checks.
This decision came after thorough financial investigations and review of the data of BISP beneficiaries.
IBCC Portal Launched 2025 — How to Verify Your Certificates Online via IBCC Customer Care Desk
PAC Sub-Committee Uncovers Deep Corruption
In a recent meeting of the Public Accounts Sub-Committee (PAC), chaired by Moin Amir Pirzada, further shocking details emerged. According to audit officials:
- Billions of rupees were transferred from BISP to government officers, bureaucrats, pensioners, and even their spouses.
- These individuals had no legal right to receive BISP benefits.
- This points to a systemic failure and possible corruption within departments managing the program.
The PAC meeting reviewed serious audit objections related to the Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Division, highlighting flaws in how BISP funds were distributed.
How Government Officials Exploited BISP
Despite clear rules that government employees cannot be BISP beneficiaries, many used their positions or connections to illegally enroll themselves or their family members into the program. This included:
- Current government servants.
- Retired officials drawing pensions.
- Spouses of active public employees.
This misuse of funds meant for the poor has sparked public outrage and demands for strict accountability.
How to Remove Unrelated Individuals from Your NADRA Family Tree
Inquiry Ordered: What Happens Next?
Authorities have now ordered a full-scale investigation to:
- Identify all illegal beneficiaries.
- Recover the embezzled funds.
- Punish those responsible for this abuse of the system.
The government is also being urged to strengthen verification mechanisms in the BISP system to prevent future misuse.
Conclusion: Protecting the Integrity of BISP
The exposure of 120,000 ineligible individuals, including taxpayers and government officials, as BISP beneficiaries is a serious blow to a program meant to uplift the poorest of society. This scandal reveals deep flaws in the management of public welfare and highlights the urgent need for reform, transparency, and accountability.
Moving forward, protecting the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) from political interference, corruption, and mismanagement is essential to ensure it serves only the people who genuinely need it.
Kalash Marriage Bill: A Historic Step to Protect Indigenous Rights & Cultural Identity in Pakistan