BISP strikes 2.25 million ineligible beneficiaries from its records, National Assembly told

ISLAMABAD — The National Assembly was told on Friday that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) struck more than 2.25 million fake beneficiaries from its records over the past financial year, and suspended payments to over 800,000 others.
**2,259,404 names removed in a year**
The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, answering questions during question hour, said 2,259,404 beneficiaries were removed between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Payments to more than 800,000 additional recipients were also stopped after questions arose over their eligibility.
**Government employees among the beneficiaries**
The details placed before the house also cited an audit report which found that 140,488 government employees and their family members had been drawing BISP benefits during 2019-20. Officials said more than Rs712 million has since been recovered from fake and ineligible beneficiaries — over Rs545 million through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and more than Rs21 million from BISP employees themselves.
**Over 55,000 complaints**
The ministry said it received 55,579 complaints during the previous financial year over unauthorised deductions, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds, and that inquiries are under way with action being taken under the relevant laws.
**Only 8171 is genuine**
BISP also cautioned citizens against fraudulent messages circulating on social media and through mobile phone numbers in its name. The programme said its official messages come exclusively from 8171, and anything from another number should be treated as fake. Such scams typically claim a stipend has been approved, ask for personal contact details to arrange a transfer, or promise enrolment and financial assistance.