By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: A dignified ceremony was held at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Headquarters in Islamabad on Monday to commemorate the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
The event was attended by Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz, as well as senior officials and staff of the organization. In view of the sanctity of Muharram-ul-Haram, the ceremony was held earlier than the scheduled time.
Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid paid rich tribute to the national services and extraordinary sacrifices of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. She remarked that leaders of the stature of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto are born only once in centuries.
She stated that criticism of BISP is effectively criticism of the right to social protection of underprivileged citizens. For those who have nothing, even minimal support carries great significance. She further said that while constructive criticism and reform suggestions are welcomed, any calls for shutting down institutions are unacceptable.
Senator Rubina Khalid expressed regret over the use of derogatory language against over ten million deserving families, saying that labeling them as beggars is deeply unfortunate.
She emphasized that the responsibility of the state is to ensure protection, education, healthcare, and social security for its citizens. She added that BISP is continuously undergoing reforms. Key initiatives such as the new payment system, re-certification process, and skills development programmes are part of this reform agenda.
She said that the programme, already recognized internationally, will be further strengthened and made more effective. Protecting the interests of over ten million families remains a shared responsibility.
The Chairperson reaffirmed that deserving families will not be left alone and that all possible efforts will continue to empower them through skills and economic independence. She stressed that teamwork and dedicated effort are essential for the success of the new payment system.
During the ceremony, special documentary videos were also screened in tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. At the conclusion of the event, Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, along with senior officials and staff, also cut a cake in celebration of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s birth anniversary.
