The minister said that more than 10 million digital wallets have already been created under the Benazir Income Support Program.
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that about 3.9 million beneficiaries have been enrolled in the “Nashonuma Programme” over the last five years to address the problem of stunting.
Responding to questions during the Question Hour, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said among the registered beneficiaries are two million children and 1.8 million pregnant women.
Citing an impact evaluation conducted by the Aga Khan University, the minister said the program had had a significant effect on reducing stunting.
According to the results of the interim study, stunting among children under two years old decreased by 6.4 percent, while stunting among children aged 6 months decreased by a “whopping” 20 percent. He added that low birth weight decreased by 5.6%, while early initiation of breastfeeding increased by 11.6%.
Shah informed the House that the program – initially tested in 15 districts – has now expanded across the country. Currently, it is operational in 157 districts through 542 facilitation centers. He clarified that there are no plans for further expansion of Nashonuma at this time.
The minister said that more than 10 million digital wallets have already been created under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), and the distribution of SIM cards is underway. He assured that by March 2026, beneficiaries will no longer have to stand in long queues or face deductions and complaints as payments will be fully digitalized.
