In a major policy shift, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has officially closed all temporary camp sites used for distributing financial assistance. Starting November 2025, beneficiaries will receive their Rs. 13,500 quarterly installment through registered retail shops, HBL Konnect agents, and partner banks. This change aims to make the payment process more comfortable, accessible, and dignified for millions of families across Pakistan.
Why Were BISP Camp Sites Closed?
When the BISP camp system was introduced in 2023, it was intended to ensure transparency and minimize fraud in payment distribution. However, the ground reality soon revealed several challenges.
Main Reasons Behind Closure
- Long travel distances causing inconvenience for women and the elderly.
- Poor facilities at most camp sites, including a lack of shade, restrooms, and seating areas.
- Overcrowding and security concerns during payment days.
- Long waiting hours and physical exhaustion for beneficiaries.
Recognizing these difficulties, the Government of Pakistan decided to permanently discontinue camp sites and restore the shop-based distribution model to make the process simpler and more efficient.
What Changes for BISP Beneficiaries
From November 2025 onward, beneficiaries no longer need to visit temporary camps to collect payments. Instead, they can access their funds from nearby retail shops, HBL Konnect agents, or partner bank branches.
Key Benefits for Beneficiaries
- Convenience: Access payment points close to home.
- Time-Saving: No long queues or extended waiting periods.
- Inclusive Access: Easier for women, widows, elderly, and persons with disabilities.
- Security: All transactions remain biometrically verified for transparency.
This system not only reduces physical strain but also lowers transportation costs for thousands of low-income households.
How to Check BISP Eligibility and Payment Status
Before collecting your payment, ensure you are eligible and active in the BISP program. The government has simplified the verification process through official channels.
Steps to Check Your BISP Status
- Send your CNIC number to 8171 via SMS and wait for the response.
- Visit the BISP 8171 web portal to verify your eligibility and payment details.
- If your CNIC is under verification, visit the nearest NADRA office for correction.
- Visit your local BISP tehsil office for manual verification if needed.
Only verified and eligible applicants will receive the Rs. 13,500 installment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Collect BISP Payment
After confirming your eligibility, follow these simple steps to collect your payment under the new BISP system.
- Bring your original CNIC (valid and not expired).
- Visit an authorized BISP payment agent or HBL Konnect center.
- Complete biometric verification to confirm your identity.
- Receive your Rs. 13,500 payment in full.
- Always collect a printed receipt as proof of payment.
- Report any illegal deductions or issues to the official BISP helpline (0800-26477).
BISP Payment Collection Points
Authorized Retail Shop: Original CNIC required, verified biometrically, average process time 5–15 minutes.
HBL Konnect Agent: CNIC required, biometric verification, average process time 5–20 minutes.
Partner Bank Branch: CNIC and account verification, biometric or account ID check, average process time 10–30 minutes.
This new setup ensures faster processing and eliminates the need for long waits previously experienced at temporary camp sites.
Benefits of the New Shop-Based BISP Payment System
The transition to a shop and bank-based model provides significant advantages to beneficiaries and government administrators alike.
Top Benefits
- Greater convenience with local access.
- Faster disbursement and shorter queues.
- Comfortable, shaded collection areas.
- Enhanced security through biometric verification.
- Easier access for women and elderly beneficiaries.
This initiative aligns with BISP’s mission to deliver financial aid efficiently and respectfully.
Possible Challenges and BISP’s Response
While the new payment model offers multiple benefits, some transitional issues may arise—especially in rural areas or newly added regions.
Common Challenges
- Temporary overcrowding at certain payment points.
- Agents demanding unauthorized deductions.
- Technical or biometric verification errors.
- Limited awareness in remote districts.
BISP’s Proactive Solutions
- Deploying monitoring teams to inspect payment agents.
- Launching public awareness campaigns in villages.
- Setting up complaint response centers for faster issue resolution.
- Expanding the network of authorized agents in under-served areas.
These steps ensure that the payment experience remains transparent, reliable, and beneficiary-friendly.
BISP Helpline and Complaint Process
If you face issues such as partial payments, network errors, or agent misconduct, you can quickly reach BISP through multiple official channels:
- Helpline Number: Call 0800-26477 for direct assistance.
- Online Complaint: File a report through the BISP 8171 web portal.
- In-Person: Visit your nearest BISP tehsil office with CNIC and receipt.
Always keep your transaction record until you’ve received the full amount to help with any verification or dispute.
Conclusion
The closure of BISP camp sites and reintroduction of shop and bank-based payments marks a positive transformation in Pakistan’s social welfare delivery system. This approach ensures greater accessibility, safety, and dignity for beneficiaries, particularly women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
By enabling convenient local collection points and maintaining biometric security, BISP continues to empower vulnerable families with efficient and transparent financial support. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their status via 8171 and collect payments only from authorized agents without accepting any unlawful deductions.
