I have made contact with the Benazir Income Support Program to ensure that the budget for the Cash Transfer program will not be cut. This is the latest update for all BISP beneficiaries. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed to increase the BISP budget for the next fiscal year.
The IMF approved the BISP not only for the aid provided to eligible people but also for the work provided by the 8171 Benazir Income Support Program.
The IMF approves an increase in the BISP’s monthly stipend
There was no budget cut following a five-day negotiation between IMF officials and Pakistani officials. As a result, the IMF has agreed to increase the budget for the BISP Program, which makes things more beneficial to the BISP Program by covering more households.
آئی ایم ایف حکام اور پاکستانی حکام کے درمیان پانچ روزہ مذاکرات کے بعد بجٹ میں کوئی کمی نہیں کی گئی۔ نتیجتاً، آئی ایم ایف نے بی آئی ایس پی پروگرام کے لیے بجٹ بڑھانے پر رضامندی ظاہر کی ہے، جس سے بی آئی ایس پی پروگرام کے لیے زیادہ سے زیادہ گھرانوں کا احاطہ کرکے چیزیں زیادہ فائدہ مند ہوتی ہیں۔ لاکھوں مستحقین اور ان لوگوں کے لیے بھی جو ابھی تک اس غیر مشروط امدادی پروگرام کا حصہ نہیں ہیں، آئی ایم ایف کی جانب سے بی آئی ایس پی کے بجٹ کی منظوری امید کی ایک نئی کرن ہے۔
For millions of beneficiaries and also those who are not yet part of this unconditional support program, the IMF’s approval of the BISP’s Budget is a new ray of hope.
2 Key IMF’s Nod For BISP Budget Increase
IMF has approved the BISP’s new Budget plan based on its transparency and the high appreciation of those initiatives on the international platform. This is the main reason for the IMF’s Nod To BISP Budget Increase.
The new BISP payment has been increased to Rs 13500
A monthly stipend of Rs 13,500 has been approved by the IMF for BISP, a cash transfer program for needy households in Pakistan.
Increasing the number of beneficiaries
In addition, there will be a 10 million (one crore) increase in Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) recipients. This will help families in need cope with financial difficulties and improve their living conditions.
Meeting with different institutions by the IMF
IMF officials met separately on Friday with representatives of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), provincial governments, and Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue.
The IMF decided to impose a super tax on agricultural revenue
Pakistani authorities persuaded the IMF mission to approve the surplus budget, but only partially agreed with the government’s stance on agricultural taxes.
All other provinces would follow Punjab and impose a Super Tax on agricultural revenue, they stated. “The IMF officials also grilled representatives of provincial governments, asking some of the toughest questions.”
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Revised Figures Of Provincial Budget Surplus
According to the revised figures of provincial budget surplus shared with the IMF, the province had a Rs360 billion cash surplus in the first quarter of 2024-25, whereas the target was Rs342 billion, fulfilling one of the key fiscal conditions of the Fund.
According to the ministry of finance, the provincial surplus was Rs18bn higher than the target. The Punjab government’s surplus remained at Rs40bn, while an earlier report showed a Rs160bn deficit from July to September.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the IMF’s approval to increase the BISP budget and increase the monthly stipend to Rs 13,500 marks a significant step towards supporting more families across Pakistan. This decision brings hope to millions who will now receive crucial financial assistance, since 10 million more beneficiaries are expected to join the program.
In recognizing BISP’s transparency and effectiveness, the IMF underlines the importance of this initiative for vulnerable households.
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