Her Money, Her Control
Social Protection Wallets will be turning Pakistan’s social protection into real financial independence giving women secure and dignified access to what is rightfully theirs and driving the nation toward a truly cashless future.
Across Pakistan, millions of women enrolled in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) still face long and tiring journeys to collect stipends in cash. Many leave home before sunrise, travel for hours from remote villages, stand in crowded queues, and cope with too few payment points. Managing money safely in such conditions is never easy.
A Digital Solution in the Making
BISP, with support from the European Union and the Government of Germany, is taking steps to change this. The programme is moving toward social protection wallets — a digital solution giving women greater control, security, and convenience in accessing funds.
Expanding Digital Wallets - A Shared Vision for a Cashless Pakistan
In July 2025, government leaders, regulators, banks, telecom providers, and international partners gathered in Islamabad to shape a shared vision: a more inclusive, cashless Pakistan.
Frank Schneider, Senior Policy Advisor at GIZ, stressed the importance of digital wallets.
“We are here today to discuss the cashless economy and expand digital wallets in Pakistan, especially to BISP beneficiaries” says Frank Schneider.
The principle is clear: every rupee must reach the right hands — without cuts or exploitation.
Reaffirming BISP’s Mission
BISP Secretary Amir Ahmed reminded participants of the programme’s unchanged mission.
“BISP’s mission has always been to deliver money to the rightful hands, free of exploitation, free of cuts, free of hurdles. The shift to digital wallets can cut costs, stop leakages, and give families true ownership.”
That ownership is about secure transfers and dignity.
Dignity and Trust at the Core
Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted the human side. She stressed three non-negotiables: biometric verification, freedom of choice, and trust.
“It’s about dignity. A woman stepping out of her home, head held high, knowing her payment is hers alone.”
Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani noted that despite economic pressures, BISP’s budget continues to grow because it works — empowering one crore families. He also announced a national goal: digitise all government payments within 18 months, with clear targets and accountability.
From Dialogue to Design
The first panel, “Transition to Digital Wallet-Based Disbursements – Implementation Challenges,” stressed that a wallet alone is not the solution. Wallets must help women build digital habits - saving, spending, and managing money independently. Interoperability was a recurring theme: women must access their money anywhere, anytime, regardless of bank or mobile network. True empowerment means freedom of choice backed by a seamless system.
A second panel brought together NADRA, SBP, PTA, and the Pakistan Mobile Database. Each play a role in making payments secure and user-friendly. All agreed: without digital literacy, change will fail. Women need simple tools in their own language, with visuals and icons they understand, to use wallets safely and confidently.
In the breakout sessions, participants planned concrete steps - from expanding rural agent networks to designing a single mobile app where women can choose a wallet provider, check balances, lodge complaints, and get voice-based help. Accessibility for women with low literacy was a priority, with voice navigation and visuals seen as essential. Above all, digital trust must be built. Women must see the value of keeping money in wallets to pay bills, shop, or save.
Building the Future Together
As the day ended, a sense of shared purpose filled the room. Together with the government, regulators, banks, telecom providers, and international partners, we are building a more inclusive, cashless Pakistan. The move towards Social Protection Wallets is more than a technical shift. It is about empowering women, safeguarding rights, and ensuring that what belongs to them reaches them securely, efficiently, and with dignity.