ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) organized the first annual National Social Protection Conference.
The three-day Conference is organised the support of the German cooperation Organization GIZ at Murree from May 8-10, 2023.
The Inaugural Session of the Conference was presided over by the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (PA&SS) and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Shazia Marri.
The Conference brought together social protection experts, representatives of international organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss various social protection initiatives and programmes in Pakistan.
Ms. Shazia Marri Federal Minister Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme is photographed with participants of 1st National Social Protection Conference starting in a local hotel on May 8, 2023. pic.twitter.com/F4wvp4FYUU
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) May 8, 2023
The World Bank Representative and German Ambassador also addressed the conference via video-link.
During the Opening Session, Shazia Marri highlighted the importance of the Benazir Income Support Programme in providing financial assistance to marginalized families in Pakistan. She also mentioned that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is contributing towards the better health of infants and their mothers belonging from poor households.
Moreover, it is also providing educational sripend to needy children, which resulted in an increase in the enrollment of children in schools. Benazir Income Support Programme continues to be a beacon of hope for millions of underprivileged families across the country, she added.
The minister also expressed her gratitude to the World Bank, GIZ, ADB, UNICEF, and other development partners for their financial and technical assistance.
The Chairperson BISP informed that BISP is providing financial support to 9 million poorest families, which is around 24 percent of the total population in Pakistan. She mentioned that despite these effort there is still exists a huge gap and large number of people suffering from poverty are still looking towards the government for financial assistance.
The Chairman of NADRA, along with representatives of other international organizations, also participated in the conference. He commended Benazir Income Support Programme for proving itself as a successful and transparent social protection programme in the world.
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