Pakistan Edition · Monday, 2 November 2026
Karachi 32° · Islamabad 28° · Lahore 31°
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is Pakistan’s national social protection programme, established in 2008 to provide financial assistance to vulnerable and low-income households, with payments primarily supporting eligible women.
The desk
Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as the US and Israel carry out strikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran warns of stronger retaliation
Despite the resumption of war between Iran and the United States, Pakistan, which has played and continues to play a mediating role between the two sides, said it remains optimistic that both parties could return to the negotiating table.
Public programmes
Ministry of Poverty Alleviation
The Benazir Income Support Programme is widening eligibility and raising the quarterly cash stipend for the poorest households.
Eligibility
Ministry of Finance / SMEDA
Low-mark-up loans for first-time entrepreneurs aged 21–45, with a simplified digital application path.
Eligibility
AEDB / Provincial energy departments
A federal-provincial subsidy for 5–10 kW home solar systems, aimed at cutting bills before the next summer peak.
Eligibility
Markets & money
USD / PKR
278.40
+0.12
KSE-100
82,410
+0.84%
Gold / tola
268,500
+1.10%
Policy rate
11.00%
Held
Wellbeing