The Secretary of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Amer Ali Ahmad, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Fact-Finding Mission hold meeting at the BISP Headquarters on July 31, 2024. The primary agenda of the meeting was the Integrated Social Protection Development Programme, a joint initiative aimed at enhancing social protection measures for the beneficiaries of BISP.
During the meeting, the ADB Fact-Finding Mission presented a detailed overview of the programme’s scope. The presentation covered the proposed additional financing, which includes a significant technical assistance package worth $300 million from ADB. This funding is intended to bolster various aspects of the programme, including institutional strengthening, skill training education, and health and nutrition initiatives. These areas are critical for improving the overall social protection framework and ensuring that the beneficiaries receive comprehensive support.
The ADB delegation included; Mr. Laisiasa Tora, Co-Mission Leader and Principal Public Sector Specialist, Ms. Xin Long, Principal Social Sector Specialist, Mr. Omer Bin Zia, Senior Project Officer, Ms. Sabina Yusifova, among others.
The Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, acknowledged the ADB Fact-Finding Mission for their ongoing support and collaboration. The programme’s comprehensive approach aims to provide not just financial assistance but also skills and health support, which are vital for the sustainable development of the beneficiaries. Both sides also showed keen interest to include technical training in the conditional cash transfer framework.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties reiterating their commitment to closely collaborate to ensure the programme’s successful implementation. The ultimate goal is to uplift the lives of BISP beneficiaries across Pakistan, ensuring they receive the necessary support to improve their living conditions and overall well-being.
Sub Editor: Ghufran