Business Recorder
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday vowed strict action against corruption and illegal deductions in payments made to beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), saying that those exploiting deserving families would not be granted any leniency. The governor expressed these views during a meeting with BISP officials in Dera Ismail Khan, where he was briefed on the programme’s operations and challenges being faced by beneficiaries across the region. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) District President, Malik Farhan Afzal Dhap was also present on the occasion. BISP officials informed the governor that around 187,000 deserving beneficiaries in Dera Ismail Khan received financial assistance through the programme. Discussions focused on issues faced by women during the survey process, unauthorized deductions from stipends, and difficulties encountered while receiving payments through banks and franchise outlets. The meeting was attended by South Zone Director Zeeshan Hasnain, Deputy Director Arif Kundi, Assistant Directors Rehan Baloch, Asim Shahzad, Nauman Zaeem, Arshad Sudozai, Asghar Khan, Complaint Officer Zohaib Khan, and PSO to the Zonal Director Waqar Khan. Officials also highlighted operational challenges at BISP offices in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and South Waziristan, including staff shortages, inadequate facilities for beneficiaries and difficulties arising from the prevailing security situation and weak internet connectivity in some areas. Governor Kundi directed the concerned authorities to take up these issues with higher authorities and ensure prompt measures for their resolution. He stressed upon that beneficiaries, particularly women, should not face unnecessary hardships while accessing financial assistance. “Modern technology has increased the need for proper guidance and facilitation of beneficiaries. Departmental staff must play an active role in helping deserving people so that they receive their payments without difficulty,” he said. The governor further assured officials that he would raise the issue of providing alternative payment and service facilities for beneficiaries living in security-sensitive areas. Expressing concern over reports of deductions by retailers and franchise operators, he termed the practice “highly regrettable” and said individuals involved in depriving poor people of their rightful assistance were damaging the credibility of the entire welfare system. He emphasized that ensuring transparency, accountability and respect for beneficiaries’ rights remained essential for the effective functioning of the Benazir Income Support Programme.
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