The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is Pakistan’s largest social welfare scheme, helping millions of poor families with quarterly cash support.
In August 2025, the government announced a major reform: 820,000 women have been removed from the program. Officials explained that this step was taken to improve transparency, stop misuse, and make sure the money only reaches the poorest households.
This guide explains the reasons for removal, updated eligibility rules, how to check your status, and what you should do if affected.
Why 820,000 Women Were Removed
According to the government, many beneficiaries were found receiving aid despite having stable incomes or valuable assets. Through NADRA and the NSER survey, ineligible names were identified and removed.
The purpose is not punishment. Instead, the goal is to clear space for new deserving families who are still waiting for financial help.
Main Reasons for Removal
Government Job or Pension
Women with government jobs or pensions were considered financially secure. Since they already have a steady income, they no longer qualify for BISP aid.
Ownership of Vehicles
Any beneficiary with a registered car, jeep, or motorcycle under her name was removed. Vehicle ownership shows a better financial standing than the program’s criteria allow.
International Travel History
Women or families who traveled abroad more than once were disqualified. Multiple foreign trips indicate higher income compared to genuinely poor households.
Land or Property Ownership
Families owning 12.5 acres or more agricultural land or expensive residential/commercial property are excluded. BISP is mainly for landless and asset-poor families.
High Electricity Usage
Households consuming over 1,000 units of electricity per month were removed. Such usage reflects higher affordability.
Heavy Telephone or Mobile Bills
Families spending over Rs. 10,000 annually on phone or mobile bills were excluded, as this is seen as a sign of stronger income.
Receiving Other Subsidies
If a person was already getting financial support from another government subsidy scheme, they were removed to avoid duplication.
Impact on Beneficiaries
This removal affects only those with stable financial backgrounds. Poor households remain safe, and their payments will continue. At the same time, new spaces are now open for fresh registrations.
| Removed from BISP | Still Eligible for BISP |
|---|---|
| Government job holders | Jobless women |
| Pension receivers | Widows |
| Vehicle owners | Disabled women and households |
| Frequent international travelers | Landless poor |
| Large land or property owners | Orphans and vulnerable families |
| High electricity bill users | Families with no income |
| High mobile bill users | Poor households with children |
How to Check Your Eligibility – August 2025
The government has made it easier for families to check their status:
SMS Method
Send your CNIC number to 8171. You will receive a reply with your status.
Web Portal
Visit the official 8171 portal, enter your CNIC, and check eligibility online.
Registration Centers
Go to the nearest BISP Tehsil Office. Staff will verify your records and update details if necessary.
What to Do If You Were Removed?
If you think your name was removed by mistake, you can apply for re-verification.
- Visit the nearest BISP Registration Center.
- Request a re-survey of your data.
- Provide documents showing your household’s financial condition.
- If your case is genuine, your name will be added back.
Current BISP Payments in 2025
- Quarterly cash support: Rs. 13,500
- Education stipends: Available for children of poor families
- Special support: For widows, orphans, and disabled beneficiaries
FAQs
Why did the government remove 820,000 women?
Because they had jobs, land, vehicles, high bills, or other income sources. The step ensures fairness.
Can I check my eligibility online?
Yes. Send your CNIC to 8171 or use the 8171 web portal.
Can I reapply after removal?
Yes. Visit your local BISP Tehsil Office, apply for re-verification, and if your data shows eligibility, you can be reinstated.
What is the BISP payment amount in 2025?
The payment is Rs. 13,500 every three months, with extra help for education and child support.
Will new families be added?
Yes. After removing ineligible names, new registrations are now being opened for vulnerable households.
Conclusion
The BISP 8171 August 2025 update shows the government’s strong focus on transparency and fairness. Removing 820,000 women is not punishment—it is a reform to ensure aid reaches only the poorest families in Pakistan.
If you are genuinely poor, your payments remain safe. If you were removed wrongly, you can appeal for a re-survey and restore your eligibility.
BISP continues to stand as a lifeline for millions of vulnerable households, ensuring that support goes where it is needed the most.
