Only Official Free SIMs Are Clarified by the Director General of BISP
Director General BISP has issued a directive stating that Social Protection Wallet SIMs for deserving women beneficiaries are free and all future payments will be processed through these SIMs. This clarification addresses reports of unauthorised agents misleading beneficiaries. Observations from various BISP offices revealed women waiting to receive these SIMs, expressing relief over the government’s steps to eliminate middlemen and ensure free access to the service, aligning with BISP’s commitment to financial support accessibility and transparency for women in Pakistan.
You can read more: Women in Punjab will receive free SIM cards from BISP starting in March 2026
Social Protection Wallet SIMs: What Are They?
Social Protection Wallet SIMs, issued by BISP to women beneficiaries, facilitate secure financial assistance transfers linked to digital wallets for direct deposits of payments. This system promotes independence by eliminating reliance on banks or intermediaries and allows beneficiaries to track their transactions, enhancing their sense of security and ease in receiving funds.
Free of Charge with No Hidden Fees
• DG BISP emphasises that SIMs are completely free, with no hidden fees.
• Beneficiaries should not pay anyone claiming to provide SIMs, including agents or banks.
• The free process protects women from fraud and ensures financial aid reaches the intended recipients.
• Observations indicate that acquiring SIMs from unofficial sources leads to wasted time and unprocessed payments.
• Key reminders include: SIMs are officially issued by BISP; do not accept SIMs from unauthorised individuals; and payments linked to unofficial SIMs will not be processed.
How and Where to Get Official SIMs
• Official SIMs are only available through BISP offices and approved campsites.
• These centres are monitored for authenticity and safety for beneficiaries.
• Women receive guidance during the registration process, including CNIC verification.
• Steps to obtain an official SIM:
– Visit the nearest BISP office or approved campsite.
– Provide your CNIC and confirm registration details.
– Receive the SIM and ensure it is linked to the digital wallet.
| SIM Source | Valid for BISP Payments |
|---|---|
| Benazir Office | Yes |
| BISP Approved Camp | Yes |
| Agent | No |
| Bank | No |
| Unrelated Person | No |
• **Source of SIM**: Valid
• **Benazir Office**: Valid
• **Benazir Approved Camp**: Valid
• **Agent or Bank**: Not Valid
• **Unrelated Person**: Not Valid
Understanding that SIMs from unauthorised sources will lead to rejection and blocked payments is crucial. The accompanying table serves as a guide for beneficiaries to prevent mistakes that might delay financial support.
Payments in the Future Associated with Official SIMs
• Upcoming Benazir payments will be processed exclusively through official SIMs linked to beneficiaries’ digital wallets.
• All future payments, including monthly instalments, emergency assistance, and special disbursements, will be automatically credited to the linked SIM.
• The new system enhances transparency, prevents fraud, and minimises delays in fund accessibility.
• Women at payment centres reported quick and secure access to payments once their SIMs were linked, addressing previous long wait times.
• Benefits of using official SIMs include:
Timely and consistent receipt of BISP payments.
Reduced risk of fraud or scams.
Easy access to payment history via digital wallet.
No additional charges for receiving payments.
Dangers of Using Unapproved SIMs
• Unauthorised SIMs from agents, banks, or unrelated persons may lead to blocked payments and financial losses.
• DG Benazir warns that such SIMs will not be accepted, potentially causing delays or loss of financial support for women.
• Common risks include:
– Blocked payments for current and future cycles.
– Exposure to fraudulent schemes.
– Time wasted in resolving issues after using invalid SIMs.
• Consequences of SIM usage:
– Agent’s SIM: Payment blocked.
– Bank’s SIM: Payment blocked.
– Losing official SIM: Risk of missing payments.
– Careful use of official SIM: Ensures smooth and secure payments.
• Protecting the SIM and digital wallet is crucial for uninterrupted access to Benazir funds.
Beneficiaries’ Best Practices
To ensure uninterrupted payments, women beneficiaries should secure their SIM and wallet, never share PINs, passwords, or OTPs, regularly check wallet balances and transaction histories, and visit official Benazir offices for assistance if issues occur. These practices help protect against unauthorised access and fraud.
You can read more: The IMF suggests increasing BISP assistance by Rs 14,500 in 2026
Conclusion
DG Benazir Mian Muhammad Idrees emphasised that only official free SIMs from Benazir offices or approved camps are legitimate for receiving payments. This measure promotes transparency, mitigates fraud, and ensures timely financial assistance for women in Pakistan. Field observations indicated that beneficiaries who adhere to official procedures enjoy peace of mind and efficient payment access, whereas those using agents or unofficial methods encounter delays and confusion. It is crucial for women to follow these guidelines to ensure safe and secure BISP support.
FAQs
1. Are SIMs for the BISP Social Protection Wallet truly free?
Indeed, DG Benazir has made it quite evident that there are no fees or hidden costs associated with any Social Protection Wallet SIM. It is never appropriate for beneficiaries to pay someone for a SIM.
2. What happens if I use a bank or agent’s SIM card?
SIM cards acquired from unapproved individuals, banks, or agencies are void. The blocking or rejection of payments associated with certain SIMs will result in delays or the termination of BISP support.
3. Where can I obtain an authentic BISP SIM card safely?
Only Benazir offices or BISP-approved campgrounds may issue official SIM cards following CNIC verification. These places are watched over to guarantee beneficiary security and openness.