Alleged irregularities of over Rs19 billion in BISP payments come under scrutiny

A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday examined alleged irregularities involving more than Rs19 billion in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payments made between financial years 2010-11 and 2022-23.

The meeting, chaired by Moin Amir Pirzada, reviewed audit objections showing that funds were withdrawn outside beneficiaries’ registered districts and provinces, in violation of BISP rules.

Auditors told the committee that payments for beneficiaries from 39 districts had been processed through a single mobile shop franchise in Multan. They also said more than half of 92 sampled beneficiaries could not be traced, while payments had been made to 21 deceased individuals.

Federal Investigation Agency officials sought two weeks to coordinate with BISP and complete the inquiry. Pirzada questioned why the agency had made little progress over the past eight months.

FIA officials said they had not received the complete record, while BISP’s additional secretary maintained that all available documents had already been shared. The subcommittee directed both sides to resolve the issue within 15 days.

The committee also reviewed cases involving government employees, pensioners and their spouses who allegedly received BISP payments.

Pirzada asked what action had been taken against senior officials, saying it was unacceptable for Grade-21 and Grade-22 officers to receive a monthly Rs4,000 stipend meant for the poorest citizens.

The BISP additional secretary said most employees linked to the cases were from lower grades and that inquiries had been conducted, but no employee had been dismissed.

The committee also sought details of steps taken to strengthen internal controls. The additional secretary said the irregularities related to older cases and no similar new cases had emerged.

PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla criticised BISP’s administrative structure, saying excessive reliance on deputation staff had weakened institutional oversight.

The subcommittee deferred the matter until its next meeting.