The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) remains one of Pakistan’s largest and most impactful social welfare initiatives. Aimed at reducing poverty and supporting low-income households, the program offers quarterly financial assistance to deserving families. The 8171 Kafaalat Program—a key component of BISP—continues in 2025 with fresh updates to payment schedules, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts.
As of May 2025, the third phase of quarterly payments under the 8171 Kafaalat Program has officially begun. Beneficiaries are now receiving payments from May 26, 2025, with disbursements continuing through June 30, 2025.
Current Payment Phase and Amount
In the ongoing payment cycle, each eligible household is receiving a sum of PKR 13,500. This instalment represents the quarterly financial aid provided to families living below the poverty line. The government has ensured that previously missed beneficiaries—especially those in remote areas or newly registered through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)—are now included in this round of payments.
The BISP authorities have worked to increase outreach and reduce logistical challenges by expanding the number of disbursement channels across provinces.
Payment Distribution Channels
To make the payment process convenient and secure, BISP provides multiple options for beneficiaries to collect their funds:
- ATM Withdrawals: Beneficiaries can use ATMs of designated banks, such as Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and Bank Alfalah, to withdraw cash.
- Campsite Payments: Temporary BISP payment camps have been established in various cities and villages to provide accommodation for people in remote or underserved areas.
- Authorised Retailers: Selected agents registered with BISP also provide cash disbursement after biometric verification.
- Over-the-Counter Transactions: Some banks and retail points allow eligible persons to collect payments directly after fingerprint and CNIC verification.
Important: Beneficiaries must bring their original CNIC and ensure their fingerprints match for successful biometric verification.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for BISP 8171 Kafaalat Program
To qualify for financial assistance under this programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Household monthly income must be PKR 50,000 or less.
- The Poverty Measurement Tool (PMT) score should be 34 or below.
- The family should be registered in the NSER database.
- Priority is given to widows, disabled individuals, unemployed women, and households without government employees.
- The applicant’s CNIC must be valid and unexpired.
Those who do not meet the criteria may be excluded from the current phase, but there are provisions for appeals and reassessments.
How to Check Eligibility and Payment Status
The process to check your eligibility and payment status is simple and accessible:
- SMS Service: Send your 13-digit CNIC number (without spaces or dashes) to 8171. You will receive a message regarding your eligibility and payment details.
- Online Portal: Visit the official BISP portal at 8171.bisp.gov.pk and enter your CNIC number in the designated field.
- Visit a BISP Office: You can also go to your nearest BISP center for in-person assistance and verification.
Make sure to keep your mobile number registered with NADRA for SMS updates from BISP.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Sometimes beneficiaries face problems while receiving payments. Here are the most frequent issues and their solutions:
- Biometric Failure: If fingerprint verification fails, visit the nearest NADRA office to update your biometric record. Try again after 48 hours.
- Expired CNIC: Renew your CNIC as soon as possible from NADRA to avoid delays.
- Incorrect Data: If family information such as marital status, death, or childbirth is outdated, update it with both NADRA and BISP.
- PMT Score Errors: If you believe your poverty score is too high due to outdated data, you can apply for a re-survey through the BISP office.
July 2025 Update – Increase in Assistance
In a welcome development, the Government of Pakistan has announced that the quarterly Kafaalat payment will be increased starting from July 2025. The new amount will be PKR 14,500, a move designed to offset the rising cost of living and inflation. This change is expected to positively impact millions of struggling households across the country.
Final Words
The BISP 8171 Kafaalat Program remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s fight against poverty and economic inequality. With continuous improvements to the system, the government aims to make the programme more transparent, inclusive, and efficient. Beneficiaries are advised to keep their documents up to date, follow official channels, and stay informed about new updates to avoid missing any payments.
For the most accurate and timely information, always refer to the official BISP website: https://www.bisp.gov.pk, or send your CNIC to 8171 via SMS.
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