HBL joins govt’s Ehsaas programme to disburse Rs90bn 

HBL and Ehsaas have joined hands to enable the delivery of the Ehsaas Emergency Cash programme, the largest social safety net initiative in Pakistan’s history.

This programme has been launched by the government to support the daily wagers and piece-rate workers affected by the lockdown in the country due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

HBL is leading this effort across Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) in disbursing approximately Rs 90 billion to an estimated 7.5 million beneficiaries. Under the existing partnership, HBL is stepping up to support this initiative to provide emergency cash assistance with a disbursement of Rs 12,000 per family.

The HBL and Ehsaas are already partnering on the Kafaalat programme that benefits the most deserving women across the country. HBL, on a short notice, has stepped up to support the delivery of the emergency cash to the beneficiaries, in addition to the already 3 million Kafaalat beneficiaries. HBL is honoured to expand its partnership with Ehsaas, leveraging the transparent mechanism put in place jointly by Ehsaas and HBL, to play its part in the relief efforts that the government is undertaking to assist those affected by coronavirus. HBL fully supports the prime minister in this initiative and lauds the support given by the provincial governments for the programme. HBL is one of the two Ehsaas exclusive funds disbursement partners chosen to enable the payment of emergency cash.

HBL President and CEO Muhammad Aurangzeb commented, “While the coronavirus crisis continues to develop and cause uncertainty to all of us, HBL is keenly aware of its duty to support Pakistan at this difficult time. Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme brings together various programmes for poverty alleviation into a single platform while leveraging the role of the private sector and digital technologies. HBL’s national presence, largest distribution network, branchless banking platform HBL Konnect and investment in technology and talent, enables the bank to undertake this huge task.”