BISP Stops Payments for Women Abroad
Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has blocked payments for women who have traveled or are currently living abroad. The government has implemented a 2-year ban on such beneficiaries, raising questions about eligibility, reinstatement, and how to avoid disqualification.
This article explains the reasons, duration, affected groups, and updated criteria under this rule. If you or someone you know is a registered BISP beneficiary living overseas, it’s essential to read this to avoid permanent disqualification.
🔍 Why Are BISP Payments Being Blocked for Women Abroad?
The Government of Pakistan has detected ineligible BISP payments going to individuals who have:
-
Moved abroad permanently
-
Taken long-term international trips
-
Are registered as taxpayers or passport holders for visa sponsorship
BISP is strictly meant for low-income families inside Pakistan. To ensure transparency and fairness, women who travel abroad are now temporarily removed from the beneficiaries list.
📆 Ban Duration and Timeline
The ban isn’t permanent but comes with strict timelines:
| Detail | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Start Date | January 2025 |
| Ban Duration | 2 Years |
| Review Date | After 24 months from date of international travel |
| Re-Eligibility | Only after biometric and travel record re-verification |
| Applies To | Women registered with BISP who traveled abroad post-survey |
| Appeal Option | Yes, via the nearest BISP Tehsil Office |
🌍 Who Will Be Affected?
❌ Blocked Categories:
-
Women who traveled abroad for more than 30 days
-
Women who used passports after BISP registration
-
Anyone flagged by NADRA or FIA as a recent traveler
✅ Not Affected:
-
Women who never traveled abroad
-
Registered women who traveled before BISP registration
-
Temporary visa holders (under 30 days) may be reviewed case-by-case
🔄 Can Blocked Women Become Eligible Again?
Yes—but after completing these steps:
-
✅ Wait out the 2-year period from date of international travel
-
📜 Submit travel clearance at BISP Tehsil Office
-
👁️🗨️ Undergo new socio-economic survey & biometric verification
-
⏳ Await approval notification via SMS from 8171
📲 How to Check Your BISP Status
Here are the ways you can confirm if your BISP account has been blocked:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| SMS to 8171 | Send your CNIC number to 8171 to get your current status |
| Online Portal | Visit 8171.bisp.gov.pk and enter CNIC |
| Tehsil Office | Bring CNIC and passport/travel docs for manual check |
❗ Important Points to Remember
-
❌ Don’t use someone else’s CNIC to bypass restrictions
-
🚫 False information will lead to permanent disqualification
-
🔄 Women returning from abroad must wait the full 2 years for reconsideration
-
🧾 You must declare all foreign travel history during surveys
-
👨👩👧 Your family’s entire BISP support may be paused if data mismatches
💬 Why This Policy Matters
The government aims to prevent fraud and misuse of social welfare funds meant only for those residing within Pakistan. With limited national resources, this ensures real beneficiaries receive support, and taxpayers’ money is used responsibly.
While it may affect some genuine low-income families temporarily, the 2-year rule is reversible with proper documentation.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This new BISP payment ban for women who traveled abroad is part of a larger digital scrutiny effort. If you or someone you know is affected:
-
📌 Stay calm
-
✅ Wait out the period
-
📁 Keep your documents ready
-
📞 Contact BISP help center for clarification
Staying informed will ensure you don’t miss future payments or re-registration chances.