ISLAMABAD, December 17, 2024 – Karandaaz Pakistan and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have forged a groundbreaking partnership to revolutionize financial inclusion and digital payments in Pakistan. The collaboration stems from extensive discussions led by BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad with representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Karandaaz Pakistan.
As part of this initiative, Karandaaz will design and pilot a project to integrate Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system, into BISP beneficiary payments across selected districts. The organization will also implement a nationwide digital and financial literacy training program, empowering BISP beneficiaries with essential skills to navigate digital financial platforms effectively.
The agreement was formalized at a ceremony held at BISP Headquarters, where BISP DG (Cash Transfers) Naveed Akbar and Karandaaz Chief Digital Officer Sharjeel Murtaza signed the pact. The event, presided over by Senator Rubina Khalid, brought together key stakeholders, including Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Tahir Noor, and senior officials from both organizations.
Senator Rubina Khalid described the partnership as a monumental step toward improving the transparency, efficiency, and dignity of BISP’s payment mechanisms. She reiterated BISP’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of beneficiaries by ensuring smooth and transparent fund transfers.
Waqas ul Hasan, CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative potential of the partnership. “By integrating Raast and providing digital and financial literacy training, we aim to empower millions of beneficiaries, enhance transparency, and promote financial inclusion. This initiative aligns perfectly with our shared vision of fostering sustainable economic growth and strengthening Pakistan’s social protection systems,” he stated.
