{"id":2751,"date":"2026-06-03T13:48:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T13:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paksouch.com\/?p=2751"},"modified":"2026-06-03T13:48:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T13:48:14","slug":"government-decides-to-include-unmarried-women-above-35-in-benazir-income-support-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paksouch.com\/?p=2751","title":{"rendered":"Government Decides to Include Unmarried Women Above 35 in Benazir Income Support Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Islamabad:<\/strong> In a significant step aimed at expanding social protection coverage, authorities have decided to include unmarried women aged 35 years and above<\/strong> in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)<\/strong>, one of Pakistan\u2019s largest welfare initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement was made during a meeting of a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) subcommittee<\/strong>, where lawmakers discussed issues related to the scope and effectiveness of social assistance programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issue Raised During PAC Subcommittee Meeting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the meeting, committee member Bilal Mandokhail<\/strong> highlighted concerns regarding the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries under the Benazir Income Support Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pointed out that unmarried women were not adequately represented among the program\u2019s beneficiaries despite being among the segments of society most in need of financial assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Mandokhail, many unmarried women face economic hardship and lack family support systems, making them particularly vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe women who deserve assistance the most are often unmarried women who have no one to support them,\u201d he reportedly told the committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BISP Officials Announce Inclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Responding to the concerns raised during the meeting, BISP officials informed the committee that unmarried women above the age of 35<\/strong> are being included in the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision is expected to broaden access to financial assistance for women who may have previously fallen outside existing eligibility categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials indicated that the move is part of ongoing efforts to make the social safety net more inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanding Social Protection Coverage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Benazir Income Support Programme serves millions of low-income households across Pakistan through direct cash assistance and various social welfare initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inclusion of unmarried women over 35 reflects a growing recognition that poverty and financial vulnerability can affect individuals outside traditional household structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social policy experts note that unmarried women, particularly those without family support or stable sources of income, may face unique economic challenges that can limit their access to healthcare, education, housing, and other basic necessities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importance of the Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The decision could benefit a significant number of women who have remained outside formal welfare coverage despite facing economic difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporters of the move argue that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n