The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has emerged as a key keyword in the ongoing debate over relief efforts for Punjab’s flood-hit communities. First Lady and PPP lawmaker Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari declared on Wednesday that using BISP is the “fastest and most effective way” to deliver aid to millions of people suffering from the devastating floods. She warned that ignoring this state-run network would be “irresponsible” at a time when quick assistance is critical.
A Call for Immediate Action
Speaking through a post on X, Aseefa highlighted the scale of the disaster. She said more than four million people in Punjab have been affected by “unprecedented floods,” which have destroyed homes, crops, and livestock. Aseefa argued that BISP’s nationwide database and established cash transfer system make it the most reliable mechanism to reach those in need without delay.
“Not utilising one of the state’s key organisations, which has both the data and the capacity to deliver assistance, would be irresponsible,” she said, urging both federal and provincial governments to put politics aside and focus on relief.
Clash Over Relief Strategy
Her remarks came a day after Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that the provincial government would distribute relief through its own cards rather than relying on BISP. Bokhari said the Punjab administration plans to issue personalised relief cards to flood victims using provincial funds. She claimed this approach would ensure direct assistance to deserving families and prevent political interference.
Bokhari defended the decision by saying, “We are focused on serving, not politicising, the issue.” However, she also took a swipe at the PPP, questioning its credibility in handling social programs and remarking, “Should we take advice from those who have turned Sindh into archaeological ruins?”
Read: Pakistan Floods Threaten Economy, Crops, and Recovery Plans
PPP’s Strong Advocacy
The PPP has consistently pushed for BISP’s use over the past month. Party leaders argue that the program’s transparency and reach make it ideal for emergency relief. PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman voiced her support during a Senate committee meeting, calling BISP “efficient and proven” for delivering cash support to vulnerable families.
The program, established as a national safety net, provides direct cash assistance to poor households, particularly targeting women. According to the PPP, BISP’s built-in verification systems reduce fraud and speed up payments compared to ad hoc provincial schemes.
Government Compensation Package
Despite rejecting BISP, the Punjab government has announced its own compensation plan. The package includes Rs20,000 per acre for crop losses, Rs1 million for homes completely destroyed by the floods, Rs500,000 for partially damaged homes, and Rs500,000 for the loss of cattle. Officials say this multi-layered approach will provide both immediate and long-term relief to affected families.
Yet, critics argue that creating a new system from scratch will slow down payments and increase administrative costs, especially when BISP already has a functioning network.
Financial Challenges
Adding to the tension, federal leaders have expressed concerns about the program’s affordability. On September 18, PML-N leader and Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah stated that the government cannot sustain BISP in its current form. He called the program “unviable for a cash-strapped government” and suggested it either be completely revamped or phased out.
This stance clashes with PPP’s insistence on expanding BISP during the current crisis. Aseefa and other PPP officials argue that the cost of inaction will be far greater if flood victims are left waiting for aid.
Humanitarian Stakes
The floods in Punjab have caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands of families and threatening a major humanitarian crisis. Homes, crops, and livestock have been washed away, leaving people without food or shelter. Relief groups warn that delays in distributing assistance could worsen the suffering and lead to health emergencies.
Aseefa’s call for BISP reflects growing pressure on the government to act swiftly. With millions depending on timely support, the debate over relief methods is more than a political battle—it is a race against time to save lives.
A Test of Political Will
As the water recedes, the dispute over BISP underscores the larger challenge of coordinating disaster response in Pakistan. Whether the federal and provincial governments can bridge their differences will determine how quickly aid reaches those in desperate need. For now, BISP stands at the center of a critical debate, symbolizing both the promise of rapid relief and the obstacles of political division.
