The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is not just a poverty relief program in Pakistan—it’s also helping many children, especially girls, stay in school. While BISP offers Taleemi Wazaif (school stipends) to some families, most only receive basic cash support.
But here’s the big question:
Can the basic BISP cash help children—especially girls—attend school, even without Taleemi Wazaif?
Let’s explore how it works in 2025.
What Is BISP and How Does It Work?
BISP gives financial aid to poor families, usually to the mother of the household. This money comes every three months and is used for food, clothes, bills, and small daily needs.
- This is called an unconditional cash transfer because it is not linked to school attendance.
- Later, the government added Taleemi Wazaif, which gives extra money if children go to school regularly (at least 70% attendance). This is called a conditional cash transfer.
How BISP Support Helps with Education
When poor families don’t have enough money, sending children to school becomes hard. The costs of:
- School uniforms
- Notebooks and books
- Travel or transport
- School bags and shoes
…can force parents to keep children at home or send them to work.
But when mothers receive regular BISP cash, they can pay for these small school expenses. It reduces pressure and makes it easier to send children—especially girls—to school.
Why BISP Helps Girls More Than Boys
In many parts of Pakistan, girls face more problems:
- Safety concerns
- Early marriage pressure
- Household chores
- Less value given to girls’ education
But when mothers receive BISP money, they often use it to support their daughters’ education. This financial freedom helps girls stay in school longer, even if Taleemi Wazaif is not provided.
In many homes, mothers prioritize girls’ schooling when they get direct support through BISP.
Lower Dropout Rates, Higher Enrollment
Even though BISP’s main purpose is poverty relief, studies and surveys show:
- More children attend school when their families receive BISP payments.
- Girls in rural or poor areas stay enrolled longer.
- Parents worry less about money, so they focus more on education.
Taleemi Wazaif: Why 70% Attendance Rule Matters
To get Taleemi Wazaif payments, children must attend school at least 70% of the month.
This rule helps in many ways:
- Builds a habit of daily school routine
- Encourages parents to send children regularly
- Improves classroom participation
Even families not enrolled in Taleemi Wazaif learn from this rule and begin treating school as a serious priority.
Problems That Still Exist in 2025
Despite the success of BISP, many poor families still face problems:
- School is far from home—no safe transport available
- Poor families still can’t afford all school costs
- Cultural beliefs stop girls from continuing school
- Some schools have low quality education or no teachers
How to Improve BISP’s Impact in 2025 and Beyond
To make BISP even more effective, the government and communities can:
- Promote Taleemi Wazaif more—many families don’t know how to register
- Increase stipend for older children—costs go up in higher classes
- Involve mothers in school decisions—they care deeply about education
- Challenge harmful traditions that stop girls from going to school
- Add transportation options for long-distance or unsafe school routes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does BISP reduce school dropouts?
Yes. BISP helps poor families meet basic needs. This reduces pressure to make children work, so school attendance improves—even without Taleemi Wazaif.
How does BISP help girls more?
BISP gives money directly to mothers, who often use it for daughters’ education. This is very important in communities where girls are not usually sent to school.
Is Taleemi Wazaif important for attendance?
Yes. It gives extra money only if children attend school regularly. This motivates parents to send their children to school every day, especially girls.
Final Words
BISP may have started as a poverty program, but in 2025, it is helping children—especially girls—stay in school. Whether through general cash support or through Taleemi Wazaif, BISP:
- Reduces dropout rates
- Improves school attendance
- Supports mothers and daughters
- Creates hope in poor communities
