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| bisp-old-system-ends-digital-wallet-rahim-yar-khan-2026 |
Rahim Yar Khan / Islamabad: In a major announcement that will affect millions of BISP beneficiaries across Pakistan, the BISP Chairperson revealed that the payment made on Monday was the last under the old system. From the next quarter, disbursements will shift to a digital wallet system aimed at improving transparency and ensuring timely payments.
This announcement came after a heartbreaking incident. A tragic roof collapse at a retail outlet in the Tibba area of Rahim Yar Khan left at least seven women dead and more than 75 injured as they gathered to collect BISP payments. This terrible event has forced the government to speed up its move to digital payments.
If you are a BISP beneficiary, this news is very important for you. The old way of collecting cash from shops and retailers is now over. Your next payment will come directly into your digital wallet. Keep reading to learn what happened, what changes are coming, and what you need to do.
What Happened in Rahim Yar Khan? The Tragic Incident Explained
At least seven women died and several others were injured on Monday when the roof of a shop collapsed in Rahim Yar Khan's Chak 123-P Tibba locality. The incident occurred at 10:39am when beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme had gathered at the grocery store that housed a retailer for BISP payments.
The incident took place at a local grocery store hosting a JazzCash payment center. According to eyewitnesses and rescue officials, the building's structure was unable to withstand the excessive weight of the massive crowd gathered on both the ground and first floors. The sudden collapse trapped dozens under the debris.
District administration spokesperson Mohammad Ateeq Khan told Dawn that initial reports suggested more than 200 people were gathered around the shop when the incident occurred. The roof, built with substandard material, could not bear the load of the women and collapsed.
As soon as the incident was reported, the district administration and rescue services rushed to the scene. Teams from Rescue 1122 launched an immediate relief operation, dispatching more than ten ambulances and rescue vehicles to the area.
Rubina Khalid Visits Hospital, Announces Rs 1 Million Compensation
Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday where she met women beneficiaries who were injured in the tragic incident.
The Chairperson inquired about the condition of the injured women and directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical care and extend all necessary support to the victims.
Here is the compensation announced by BISP:
- Rs 1 million (10 lakh rupees) for each family of the deceased women
- Rs 300,000 (3 lakh rupees) for each injured woman
- Free medical treatment for all injured women, and educational stipends for the children of the affected families will continue uninterrupted
Providing an update on the injured, she said most women with minor injuries had been discharged, while 17 remained under treatment, with one in critical condition.
BISP Blames Partner Banks, Not the Programme
BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid said the programme was not responsible for cash disbursement, clarifying that the process had been outsourced to banks.
She further explained that disbursement of BISP payments is carried out through partner banks; however, in light of this incident, a notice has been issued to the concerned bank for negligence, along with the imposition of a substantial fine.
Khalid announced that fines would be imposed and a first information report (FIR) would be registered against individuals present at the site, vowing strict accountability.
On the directions of the BISP Chairperson, a high-level committee from the headquarters has also been dispatched to Rahim Yar Khan to conduct a comprehensive investigation, determine responsibility for the incident, and submit a detailed report within 24 hours.
Breaking: This Was the LAST Installment Under Old System!
This is the biggest news for all 9 million BISP beneficiary families. Senator Rubina Khalid further stated that this was the last tranche under the old payment system.
In line with the directions of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, payments from the next quarter onwards will be made through Digital Wallet System to ensure timely, transparent, and dignified delivery of funds to beneficiaries.
She added that while payments are currently distributed through partner banks, the new system will eliminate the monopoly of bank retailers and further enhance transparency and efficiency in the payment mechanism.
This means you will no longer need to go to crowded shops, retailers, or campsites to get your money. The payment will come straight to your phone through a digital wallet.
What is the BISP Digital Wallet System?
The BISP digital wallet system is a mobile-based payment platform that allows beneficiaries to receive their financial assistance directly in a digital account connected with partner banks and mobile financial services.
The BISP Digital Wallet is a secure digital payment system launched under the Benazir Income Support Programme in 2026. Instead of collecting cash from physical centers, beneficiaries now receive funds in a CNIC-linked digital account.
In simple words, think of it like an Easypaisa or JazzCash account on your phone. Your BISP money will go directly into this wallet. You can then take out cash from any ATM or authorized agent near you.
How Many People Have Already Moved to Digital Wallets?
More than 104,000 beneficiaries have been moved to the digital wallet platform as part of the first phase of the rollout. Now, after this Rahim Yar Khan tragedy, the government plans to move ALL beneficiaries to the digital system.
The goal of this expansion is to gradually shift all eligible beneficiaries toward digital payments, ensuring that welfare funds are delivered efficiently and securely.
Why is the Government Ending the Old Payment System?
The old system had many problems. The Rahim Yar Khan tragedy showed these problems in the worst way possible. Here is why the government is making this change:
- Safety Issues: For years, many beneficiaries faced challenges when receiving payments through traditional methods. Issues such as long queues, travel costs, and illegal deductions created difficulties for low-income families.
- Faster Payments: Funds are transferred instantly to beneficiary accounts.
- Better Transparency: Digital records help reduce fraud and unauthorized deductions.
- No More Crowded Shops: Women will not have to stand in dangerous, overcrowded buildings
- No Middlemen: Retailers and bank agents will no longer control your money
How to Set Up Your BISP Digital Wallet (Step by Step)
BISP has clearly stated that beneficiaries who do not already have a digital wallet will not receive their next installment until they create one. So it is very important to set up your wallet as soon as possible.
Here is how you can do it:
- Step 1: Go to your nearest BISP Tehsil Office
- Step 2: Bring your CNIC and your own mobile number
- Step 3: Make sure your SIM is registered in your own name (This is very important!)
- Step 4: Using your CNIC and verified mobile number, the BISP officer will open a digital wallet
- Step 5: The system will automatically choose the wallet based on your SIM network (e.g., Jazz = JazzCash)
- Wait for confirmation SMS from 8171
Very Important: If the SIM is registered under someone else's CNIC, BISP will not be able to open your wallet. So visit a telecom franchise first and make sure your SIM is on your own name.
How Will You Withdraw Money from the Digital Wallet?
When the next quarterly installment is released, the amount will go directly into your digital wallet. You can then withdraw it through several ways:
- ATM: Use the debit card linked to your digital wallet
- Easypaisa/JazzCash Agent: Visit any authorized agent near you
- HBL Konnect / Bank Alfalah: Partner bank branches
- Mobile App: Check balance and manage payments from your phone
| Feature | Old System (Ended) | New Digital Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Method | Cash from retailers/shops | Direct to mobile wallet |
| Where to Collect | Crowded payment camps/shops | ATM, agent, or mobile app |
| Safety | Overcrowding risks | No crowds needed |
| Deductions | Illegal cuts by agents | Full amount guaranteed |
| Transparency | Limited record keeping | Full digital tracking |
| Speed | Delays common | Instant transfer |
| Verification | Biometric at camp | Biometric via app/agent |
Is the Digital Wallet Mandatory for BISP in 2026?
Yes, BISP is gradually shifting all beneficiaries to the digital wallet system. Cash camps are being phased out. Most payments will be made digitally.
After the Rahim Yar Khan tragedy, this shift is now happening even faster. If you have not set up your digital wallet yet, do it as soon as possible so your next payment is not delayed.
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz React to the Tragedy
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and directed BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid to immediately visit Rahim Yar Khan to coordinate relief for the affected families.
Similarly, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif took strict notice of the tragedy, dispatching Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Musarrat Jabeen and Regional Police Officer Ghazi Salahuddin to the site.
Rubina Khalid Visits Homes of Deceased Women
Later, Senator Rubina Khalid visited the homes of four BISP beneficiary women who lost their lives in the incident including Anwar Mai (Chak 123), Parveen Bibi (Chak 123), Shahnaz Khatoon (Chak 125), and Aleema Khatoon (Chak 114).
She offered prayers for the departed souls, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and conveyed her deep sympathies.
What Should BISP Beneficiaries Do Right Now?
If you are a BISP beneficiary, here is what you should do immediately:
- Check your SIM registration: Make sure your SIM card is registered on your own CNIC. If not, visit a Jazz, Telenor, Zong, or Ufone franchise to fix it.
- Visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office: Ask them to help you set up your digital wallet.
- Keep your CNIC valid: If your CNIC is expired, visit NADRA to renew it.
- Update your biometric data: If your thumbprints do not match, visit NADRA.
- Send your CNIC to 8171: Check your current status by SMS.
- Stay safe from scams: Any demand for money is fraudulent. Never pay anyone for BISP registration or wallet setup.
Stay Safe from BISP Scams and Fake Websites
Any website claiming to offer online registration or payment status checks is fake. Be very careful about this. Only use these official channels:
- Official SMS: Send your CNIC to 8171
- BISP Helpline: Official BISP helplines: 8171 and 0800-26477
- BISP Tehsil Office: Visit in person for help
- Never share your CNIC photos, fingerprints, or PIN codes anywhere except official BISP centers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this really the last BISP payment under the old system?
Yes. Senator Rubina Khalid stated that this was the last tranche under the old payment system. From the next quarter, all payments will go through the digital wallet system.
How will I get my next BISP installment?
Your next BISP Kafaalat payment will be sent directly to your digital wallet. You need a SIM registered on your own CNIC and a digital wallet (JazzCash, Easypaisa, or a partner bank wallet). Visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office to set it up.
What happened in Rahim Yar Khan?
At least seven women were killed and dozens injured when the roof of a private payment centre collapsed in Chak 123/P Tibba, Rahim Yar Khan. The tragic incident occurred at a private payment point where a large number of women had gathered to receive the third installment of BISP.
How much compensation is BISP giving to the victims?
She announced compensation of Rs 1 million for the families of the deceased and Rs 300,000 for the injured.
Is the BISP digital wallet free?
BISP registration and wallet activation are completely free. The government provides the SIM card at no cost, and partner services like JazzCash and EasyPaisa do not charge any fees for basic wallet activation for BISP beneficiaries.
What if my SIM is not registered on my own CNIC?
If the SIM is registered under someone else's CNIC, BISP will not be able to open your wallet. You must first visit a telecom franchise and get a SIM registered in your own name.
Can I still get cash from ATMs with the digital wallet?
Yes! The BISP digital wallet system offers multiple ways to access your Rs 13,500 installment. You can visit authorized agents, use ATMs, or go to partner banks across Pakistan.
What if my biometric (thumbprint) does not work?
Visit NADRA to update fingerprint records, then retry verification.
Who is responsible for the Rahim Yar Khan tragedy?
BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid said the programme was not responsible for cash disbursement, clarifying that the process had been outsourced to banks. She stated that a transparent inquiry will be conducted into the incident and strict legal action will be taken against the representatives of the partner bank if negligence is proven.
How can I check my BISP payment status right now?
Send your 13-digit CNIC number to 8171 via SMS. You will receive your eligibility, payment status, and instructions via official SMS. Do not trust any random website claiming to show your status online.
Final Words
The Rahim Yar Khan tragedy is a sad reminder of how dangerous the old BISP payment system was for poor women. This is not just a payment upgrade. It is a movement toward financial dignity, inclusion, and empowerment for every deserving Pakistani family.
The old system of standing in long lines at overcrowded shops is now officially over. From the next quarter, every BISP beneficiary will receive their payment through a secure digital wallet.
If you have not set up your digital wallet yet, please visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office with your CNIC and a SIM registered in your own name. Do it today so your next payment is not delayed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in Rahim Yar Khan. May this tragedy be the last of its kind.
Last Updated: March 18, 2026 | Sources: Pakistan Today, Dawn News, Express Tribune, APP, Sabah News