Gilani directs Chairperson BISP to acquire support from international donors

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Chairperson of Benazir Income Support programme (BISP) to explore the opportunities of financial support from the international donors to complement the Government’s efforts in provision of relief to the poorest sections of society.He further said that directions to Ministry of Water and Power and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources have already been given to evaluate the total cost of subsidy on electricity and gas to the recipients of this programme.This prime minister said while talking to Chairperson BISP, Farzana Raja ,who called on him at PM’s House on Monday.P.M. Gilani expressed his satisfaction over the BISP’s planning to expand its operations from the existing three million families to five million families soon after the completion of poverty survey. He appreciated the effective service delivery of the Benazir Income Support Programme to help the most vulnerable segments of the society.The Prime Minister directed the Chairperson BISP to expedite the completion of poverty survey so that more deserving families could be approached through this social security net. He said the usefulness of the BISP income assistance programme has been acknowledged as a significant pro-poor initiative by the international institutions.The Prime Minister said that Benazir Katchi Abadi scheme for low-income section of society is also under consideration to fulfill the PPP’s manifesto of Roti Kapra and Makan.P.M. Gilani said that the Ministry of Zakat & Usher will soon be devolved to the provinces and hoped that it would expedite the disbursement of funds to the needy.Farzana Raja briefed the Prime Minister that poverty survey is expected to be completed by July, 2011.She also informed that she is already in contact with donors to form their partnership with BISP for the provision of assistance to the people trapped in poverty – Sananews