The minister said that over 10 million digital wallets have already been created under Benazir’s income support programme
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that approximately 3.9 million beneficiaries have been enrolled in the ‘Nashonuma Programme’ over the past five years to address the problem of stunting.
Responding to questions during question hour, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said the registered beneficiaries include two million children and 1.8 million pregnant women.
Citing an impact evaluation conducted by the Aga Khan University, the minister said the program has had a significant impact on reducing stunting.
According to the results of the midline survey, stunting among children under two has fallen by 6.4%, while stunting within the 6-month age group has fallen by a “huge” 20%. He added that low birth weight has reduced by 5.6%, while early initiation of breastfeeding has increased by 11.6%.
Shah informed the House that the program – initially piloted in 15 districts – has now been extended to the entire country. At present it is operational in 157 districts through 542 facilitation centres. He clarified that there is no plan for further expansion of Nashonuma at the moment.
The minister said that over 10 million digital wallets have already been created under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), with SIM distribution underway. He assured that by March 2026, recipients will no longer have to stand in long queues or face deductions and complaints as payments will be fully digitalised.
