ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary audit has uncovered a major misuse of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), revealing that billions of rupees intended for low-income households were instead transferred to government officers, their spouses, and pensioners.
The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) subcommittee, chaired by Convener Moeen Aamir Pirzada, which reviewed audit objections related to the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division.
Audit officials reported that hundreds of bureaucrats across multiple grades were listed as beneficiaries, despite clear rules excluding government employees from the scheme.
Among those identified were officers from Grade 19 and Grade 20, as well as senior officials in Grade 22, the highest tier in the civil service.
Most of the implicated officers were serving in provincial administrations. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has begun recovery proceedings; however, officials admitted that no comprehensive mechanism exists to ensure full recovery of misappropriated funds.
Committee members questioned why no meaningful action had been taken against those responsible. In response, the subcommittee directed that criminal charges be initiated against all officers from Grade 17 to Grade 22 involved in the scandal.
Launched to provide direct financial assistance to Pakistan’s most vulnerable families, the BISP has long faced criticism over weak oversight and the infiltration of ineligible recipients.
The latest findings are expected to increase pressure on the government to introduce stronger transparency and accountability measures.
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