BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme): Evolution, Challenges, and Reforms in Pakistan’s Largest Social Safety Net
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stands as Pakistan’s flagship social protection initiative, providing critical financial assistance to millions of vulnerable families since its inception in 2008. Over nearly two decades, BISP has undergone significant transformations, facing both triumphs and challenges in its mission to alleviate poverty. This comprehensive analysis explores BISP’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of South Asia’s largest social protection programs, examining its operational mechanisms, addressing fund misappropriation issues, documenting crucial reforms, and analyzing the substantial financial investments made by successive Pakistani governments.
BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme)Registration Update
The BISP Pakistan has shared a short video on social media, addressing the wrong information being spread on social media regarding registration. It has clarified that registration for the Benazir Income Support Programme is only made through a survey, adding that surveys are conducted every two years.https://pakobserver.net/bisp-8171-registration-update-from-government-march-2025/
The Historical Development of BISP in Pakistan
The Benazir Income Support Programme emerged in 2008 as Pakistan’s primary social protection program during a period of economic uncertainty. Named after the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the program was designed with three fundamental objectives: enhancing the financial capacity of impoverished communities, formulating comprehensive policies for vulnerable populations, and reducing poverty while promoting equitable wealth distribution, particularly among low-income groups[1].
Initially supervised by the Ministry of Finance, BISP later transitioned to the administrative domain of the newly established Division of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, reflecting its growing institutional importance within Pakistan’s governance structure[1]. This administrative repositioning signaled the government’s commitment to centralizing and strengthening social protection initiatives under a dedicated authority.
From its inception, BISP adopted Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs) as its primary operational modality, directing payments exclusively to eligible women. This gender-focused approach recognized women’s crucial role in household welfare and financial management. By January 2019, the program had disbursed an impressive PKR 563.57 billion to over 5.6 million beneficiary families, reaching approximately 17% of Pakistan’s population[1].
Salima Bibi from rural Sindh exemplifies BISP’s impact at the household level. Before becoming a beneficiary, she struggled to feed her five children after her husband developed a chronic illness. “The quarterly payments transformed our lives,” Salima shares. “Now I can purchase food regularly, send my children to school, and even save a small amount for emergencies.” Her experience mirrors countless others across Pakistan, where BISP’s financial support creates a critical safety net for vulnerable families.
Social Safety Net Framework: BISP’s Structural Components
Beyond simple cash transfers, BISP has established itself as a cornerstone institution for poverty assessment and intervention in Pakistan. The program conducts extensive poverty targeting surveys through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), creating a comprehensive database of socioeconomic information used for targeting social protection programs nationwide[1]. This registry represents a significant advancement in Pakistan’s ability to identify and assist its most vulnerable citizens with precision.
BISP has diversified its approach to poverty alleviation through several complementary initiatives. Notably, the Waseela-e-Taleem program provides conditional cash transfers tied to children’s education, addressing the critical issue of educational access among impoverished households and attempting to break intergenerational poverty cycles through human capital development[1].
The impact of BISP extends beyond financial assistance. Studies consistently demonstrate that BISP cash transfers help increase household consumption, improve nutritional intake among beneficiary families, and contribute significantly to women’s economic and political empowerment by making them direct recipients of financial support[1].
Tracking BISP Beneficiary Identification Methods
The effectiveness of any social protection program hinges on its ability to correctly identify those most in need of assistance. BISP initially relied on parliamentarian recommendations to identify beneficiaries, a method that raised concerns about political influence and targeting accuracy. Recognizing these limitations, BISP transitioned to a more objective approach based on Proxy Means Testing (PMT).
The PMT methodology assesses household welfare through a detailed questionnaire covering various socioeconomic indicators, generating a score that determines eligibility. This transition marked a crucial step toward more transparent and equitable beneficiary selection. The creation of the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) further institutionalized this approach, establishing a database that serves not only BISP but also other social protection initiatives throughout Pakistan[1].
Despite these improvements, challenges in beneficiary identification persist. Geographic disparities in coverage, difficulties reaching ultra-poor households without formal documentation, and the need for regular data updates to reflect changing economic circumstances remain ongoing concerns that BISP continues to address through technological innovations and methodological refinements.
Fund Misappropriation Scandals: Exposing BISP System Weaknesses
Despite its significant achievements, BISP has faced serious challenges related to fund misappropriation and targeting errors. These issues came to prominence in 2019 when comprehensive data analysis revealed widespread inclusion errors in the beneficiary list. The most startling revelation was that 820,165 individuals identified as “undeserving” had been receiving benefits, diverting resources away from those truly in need[2][3].
More recently, in November 2024, it emerged that spouses of over 28,500 Sindh government employees had been illicitly benefiting from BISP. This troubling disclosure during a provincial assembly session highlighted persistent vulnerabilities within the program’s verification mechanisms[2]. Subsequent audits by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) have consistently detected financial anomalies worth billions of rupees, further undermining public confidence in the program’s administration[2].
Consider the case of Muhammad, a mid-level government employee in Karachi earning a comfortable monthly salary. For years, his wife had been registered as a BISP beneficiary through manipulated documentation that misrepresented their financial status. This case, like thousands of others, represents not just financial loss to the program but a betrayal of its fundamental purpose – supporting those most in need.
These incidents of misappropriation have multiple negative consequences. Most directly, they divert limited resources away from genuinely deserving beneficiaries. Additionally, such irregularities erode public trust in welfare initiatives and undermine political will to sustain and expand social protection programs. The economic impact is substantial; the removal of ineligible beneficiaries in 2019 alone was expected to save the government Rs 16 billion annually[3].
Dr. Sania Nishtar’s BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) Reformation Initiative of Transparency and Accountability
A significant turning point in BISP’s history came with Dr. Sania Nishtar’s appointment as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation and BISP Chairperson. Dr. Nishtar, internationally recognized for her expertise in public health and governance, initiated a comprehensive reevaluation of BISP operations with a focus on transparency and targeting efficiency[3].
Removal of 820,165 “Undeserving” Beneficiaries from the Database
In early 2020, under Dr. Nishtar’s leadership, BISP underwent dramatic changes, most notably the removal of 820,165 “undeserving” beneficiaries from the database. This decision applied specific criteria to identify households whose standard of living appeared above the threshold set for ‘the poor’. The excluded beneficiaries included 127,826 recipients who were spouses of government employees, over 160,000 recipients who had traveled abroad at least once, more than 361,000 recipients whose spouses had traveled abroad at least once, and almost 45,000 recipients with cars registered in their or their spouse’s name[3].
Criticism
While this cleansing exercise received praise as a necessary step toward ensuring benefits reach only truly deserving individuals, it also generated significant criticism from poverty experts. Dr. Kaiser Bengali, the first head of BISP, condemned the removal as “abject insensitivity on the part of the government and its functionaries”[3]. Other experts pointed out potential flaws in the exclusion criteria, noting that many poor households, particularly in high-migrant populations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have family members with passports, which doesn’t necessarily indicate household prosperity[3].
Amina, a widow from a remote village in KPK, experienced the controversial side of these reforms. Her son had briefly worked in the Middle East but returned home after becoming ill. Despite her continued poverty, Amina was removed from the BISP database because of her son’s travel history. “I lost my only reliable source of support,” she recounts. “We are still poor, but now we have no help.” Cases like Amina’s highlight the complex challenges in designing targeting systems that balance fiscal responsibility with compassionate support for vulnerable populations.
Streamlining BISP Operations: Technology and Banking Reforms
Recognizing that efficient and transparent fund disbursement is critical to BISP’s success, significant efforts have been made to modernize delivery mechanisms. Most recently, in August 2024, Senator Rubina Khalid, the current BISP Chairperson, announced the implementation of a new banking system designed to streamline fund disbursement to eligible women[5].
This new system engages six banks to minimize human intervention and ensure beneficiaries receive their money efficiently. The reform addresses longstanding concerns about corruption and delays in the disbursement process[5]. To further enhance transparency, BISP has instructed women to visit offices only after receiving a message from the dedicated number 8171, reducing opportunities for exploitation by middlemen or corrupt officials[5].
The evolution of BISP’s payment systems reflects broader technological advancements in Pakistan’s financial infrastructure. From initial reliance on manual money orders to the current movement toward digital financial services, each transition has aimed to improve efficiency, reduce leakage, and enhance beneficiary experiences.
Experts suggest additional technological innovations to further strengthen BISP’s integrity. Biometric verification systems using fingerprint or facial recognition could add an extra security layer, confirming that payments reach intended recipients[2]. Real-time monitoring systems integrated with partner banks would provide continuous oversight of transactions, allowing immediate detection of irregularities[2]. In field operations, geotagging technology could help track data collection activities and verify service delivery more effectively[2].
These technological solutions, combined with strict penalties for those defrauding the system, represent promising pathways to enhance BISP’s effectiveness and credibility in the coming years.
Financial Analysis of BISP Funding Allocations
The Pakistani government has demonstrated increasing financial commitment to BISP over time, reflecting the program’s growing importance in the national social protection framework. For the financial year 2024-25, BISP has been allocated Rs 598.71 billion, representing a substantial 27% increase compared to the Rs 471.23 billion provided in the previous financial year[4].
This latest increase exceeds even BISP’s projections, which anticipated a budget of around Rs 550 billion (a 17% increase)[4]. The significant budget expansion demonstrates the government’s prioritization of social protection despite Pakistan’s challenging economic environment.
However, the financial data surrounding BISP reveals concerning inconsistencies in reporting. According to budget documents issued by the federal government, BISP’s budget for the outgoing fiscal year 2023-24 was Rs 471.23 billion, while the Economic Survey for the same period showed Rs 466 billion[4]. Further complicating matters, the International Monetary Fund’s country report on Pakistan mentioned BISP’s budget for FY2023- 24 at Rs 472 billion[4]. These discrepancies raise questions about financial transparency and accounting practices.
The beneficiary count also shows variations in official reporting. While the federal government has repeatedly claimed that 9.3 million female beneficiaries receive financial aid under BISP’s flagship Kafaalat initiative, data from informed sources within BISP showed 9.27 million beneficiaries receiving quarterly stipends of Rs 10,500 each[4]. The federal government’s Economic Survey, however, claimed 9.4 million beneficiaries were receiving these stipends[4].
From its inception through January 2019, BISP had disbursed PKR 563.57 billion to beneficiary families[1]. When combined with subsequent allocations through 2025, the total government investment in BISP across its lifetime approaches 2 trillion Pakistani rupees, representing one of the most significant sustained financial commitments to social protection in the country’s history.
Women’s Economic Empowerment through BISP Initiatives
A distinctive feature of BISP has been its focus on women as primary beneficiaries, creating significant implications for gender relations and women’s empowerment across Pakistan. By directing payments exclusively to women, BISP recognizes and reinforces women’s crucial role in household welfare while simultaneously enhancing their financial agency and decision-making authority.
Research indicates that women beneficiaries often experience improved status within their households and communities. Zainab, a beneficiary from a conservative rural district, describes this transformation: “Before BISP, I had no say in household decisions. Now, because I bring in regular money, my husband consults me about important matters. I feel respected for the first time.”
Beyond individual empowerment, BISP’s gender-centric approach contributes to broader social change by normalizing women’s financial inclusion and economic participation. The requirement for women to interact with formal financial institutions to receive payments has accelerated their integration into the banking system, a crucial step toward greater economic inclusion.
The upcoming Benazir Hunar Program for skill development represents a further evolution in BISP’s approach to women’s empowerment, aiming to transition beneficiaries from cash dependency to sustainable livelihoods through vocational training and market linkages[5]. This initiative acknowledges that true empowerment requires not just immediate financial support but pathways to economic self-sufficiency.
BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) Impact Measurement: Successes and Limitations
Assessing BISP’s true impact on poverty reduction in Pakistan requires careful analysis of both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Statistical indicators suggest meaningful improvements in beneficiary households’ welfare, with studies documenting increased food consumption, improved nutritional outcomes, and greater investment in children’s education among recipient families.
The program’s scale is certainly impressive. With coverage extending to approximately 17% of Pakistan’s population, BISP represents one of the most extensive social safety nets in the developing world[1]. The quarterly stipend of Rs 10,500 provided to each beneficiary family under the Kafaalat program offers crucial financial support, particularly during economic downturns and inflationary periods[4].
However, impact assessment faces several methodological challenges. The dynamic nature of poverty makes it difficult to isolate BISP’s specific contribution from other economic factors affecting household welfare. Additionally, the program’s focus on consumption support, while addressing immediate needs, may have limited impact on sustainable poverty reduction without complementary interventions addressing structural barriers to economic mobility.
Longitudinal studies tracking beneficiary households over extended periods could provide more definitive evidence of BISP’s long-term impact. Such research would help determine whether BISP primarily functions as a temporary safety net or contributes meaningfully to permanent exits from poverty.
Future Directions for BISP
Recommendations and Policy Implications
As BISP continues to evolve, several strategic directions merit consideration for enhancing its effectiveness and sustainability. First, strengthening targeting mechanisms through regular updates to the National Socio-Economic Registry would ensure benefits reach those most in need while reducing inclusion and exclusion errors. The controversy surrounding Dr. Nishtar’s reforms underscores the importance of developing nuanced, context-specific criteria that capture the complex realities of poverty in Pakistan.
Accelerating Technological Integration
Second, accelerating technological integration throughout BISP operations could significantly improve transparency and efficiency. Beyond the recently announced banking reforms, investments in artificial intelligence for beneficiary verification, blockchain for payment tracking, and mobile technologies for beneficiary communication offer promising avenues for program enhancement[2].
Expanding Portfolio
Third, BISP should continue expanding its portfolio beyond unconditional cash transfers to include complementary interventions addressing the multidimensional nature of poverty. The existing Waseela-e-Taleem program provides a valuable model for conditional transfers promoting human capital development, while the upcoming Benazir Hunar Program represents an important step toward sustainable livelihood promotion[5].
Strengthing Coordination
Fourth, strengthening coordination between BISP and other social protection initiatives would enhance the coherence of Pakistan’s overall social safety net. The National Socio-Economic Registry offers a valuable foundation for such coordination, potentially serving as a unified targeting mechanism for multiple programs.
Enhanced Accountability Mechanism
Finally, enhancing accountability mechanisms through independent oversight, regular audits, and transparent reporting of financial and operational data would address the persistent concerns about misappropriation and fraud that have undermined public confidence in BISP.
The BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) represents one of Pakistan’s most significant investments in social protection and poverty alleviation. Over nearly two decades, it has evolved from a simple cash transfer initiative to a multifaceted program reaching millions of vulnerable families across the country. While challenges related to targeting, efficiency, and accountability persist, BISP’s continued expansion and adaptation demonstrate a sustained national commitment to supporting the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The program’s future effectiveness will depend on its ability to balance multiple imperatives: ensuring benefits reach the truly deserving, maintaining fiscal sustainability, adapting to changing poverty dynamics, and transitioning beneficiaries from dependency to self-reliance. With continued reforms, technological innovation, and sustained political commitment, BISP has the potential to serve as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s social protection architecture for generations to come.
Through the stories of beneficiaries like Salima, Amina, Zainab, and countless others, we glimpse both the transformative potential and persistent challenges of large-scale social protection in a developing economy. Their experiences remind us that behind the statistics and policy debates lie real human lives, where even modest financial support can mean the difference between destitution and dignity.
Rethinking Poverty Reduction: A Critical View of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Alternative Approaches
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has been Pakistan’s primary social safety net for nearly two decades, providing unconditional cash transfers to millions of impoverished families. While it has succeeded in mitigating the immediate effects of poverty, critics argue that its approach lacks long-term sustainability. Disbursing billions in government resources, often funded through foreign loans, has not generated productivity or lifted beneficiaries out of poverty permanently. Here we critically examine BISP’s limitations and explore alternative strategies inspired by successful global models, such as China’s industrialization-driven poverty reduction initiatives.
The Challenge: Dependency vs Productivity
Critics of BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme)point out that while providing cash transfers ensures immediate relief, it fosters dependency rather than empowering recipients to escape poverty. For example, the program’s reliance on foreign loans, such as the $400 million loan approved by the World Bank in 2024, has raised concerns about fiscal sustainability and the long-term economic burden on Pakistan[1][3]. Despite these investments, Pakistan’s poverty rate remains high, with over 40% of the population living below the poverty line[1].
In contrast, countries like China have successfully reduced poverty by focusing on productivity-driven approaches. China’s agricultural industrialization model integrates small industries with local production capacities in agriculture, fishing, and handicrafts. This strategy not only creates jobs but also boosts national productivity[7].
Lessons from China: Industrialization as a Poverty Reduction Tool
China’s approach to poverty reduction offers valuable insights for Pakistan. The establishment of farmer cooperatives and partnerships with agribusiness enterprises in rural areas has transformed impoverished communities into hubs of economic activity[7]. By leveraging local resources and skills, China has created sustainable income opportunities for millions.
For instance:
– Agricultural Value Chains: In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, cooperatives enable farmers to participate in agriculture-based industries, increasing their incomes while contributing to national production.
– Rural Tourism: Local handicrafts and cultural heritage have been integrated into tourism initiatives, creating additional revenue streams for rural households.
Pakistan could adopt similar strategies by developing small industries tailored to regional strengths. For example:
– Sindh: Fishing and aquaculture projects could be expanded using climate-smart technologies already supported by international organizations like the World Bank[1].
– Balochistan: Handicraft production could be scaled up through cooperative models.
– Punjab: Agricultural processing units could enhance value addition for crops like wheat and sugarcane.
Small Industries: The Backbone of Sustainable Growth
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have proven to be a powerful engine for economic growth globally. In Pakistan, SMEs contribute significantly to employment generation and poverty alleviation[4][6]. However, challenges such as limited access to credit and bureaucratic hurdles prevent their full potential from being realized.
To address these issues:
1. Formal Financial Markets: Simplifying lending procedures and enforcing credit rights would enable SMEs to access necessary funding[4].
2. Skill Development: Vocational training programs tailored to local industries could equip workers with marketable skills.
3. Infrastructure Development: Investments in roads, electricity, and water supply would support industrial growth in backward areas.
The success of platforms like Karandaaz demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in fostering SME growth[6]. By scaling such initiatives nationwide, Pakistan could create a robust ecosystem for small industries.
Integrating BISP into Productivity-Focused Models
While BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) has provided essential relief to vulnerable populations, integrating it with productivity-focused initiatives could enhance its impact. For instance:
– Conditional Cash Transfers: Linking financial aid to participation in skill development programs or small business ventures could encourage self-reliance.
– Microfinance Support: Providing microloans alongside cash transfers would enable beneficiaries to start small businesses.
– Community-Based Projects: Developing cooperatives for agricultural processing or handicrafts could empower communities while reducing dependency.
Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Poverty Reduction
To transition from dependency-driven models to productivity-based solutions, Pakistan must adopt a multi-pronged strategy for the BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme)
1. Regional Industrialization Plans: Tailor industrial development projects to local strengths (e.g., fishing in coastal areas, handicrafts in tribal regions).
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Expand initiatives like Karandaaz to support SMEs through innovative financing mechanisms[6].
3. Vocational Training Programs: Establish skill development centers focused on trades relevant to local industries.
4. Monitoring and Accountability: Strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure funds are utilized effectively.
Conclusion
While BISP has played an essential role in alleviating immediate poverty, its long-term effectiveness remains limited due to its focus on cash transfers rather than productivity enhancement. By adopting alternative approaches inspired by global success stories like China’s industrialization-driven poverty reduction model, Pakistan can create sustainable economic opportunities that empower its citizens to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Investing in small industries tailored to regional strengths—whether through fishing cooperatives in Sindh or handicraft hubs in Balochistan—would not only reduce poverty but also boost national productivity. As Pakistan navigates its economic challenges, transitioning from dependency-driven welfare programs to productivity-focused initiatives will be key to achieving lasting prosperity.
Citations:
[1] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/45233-006-sd-01.pdf
[2] https://www.dawn.com/news/1870335
[3] https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/592958-the-bisp
[4] https://www.brecorder.com/news/40308252
[5] https://www.nation.com.pk/12-Aug-2024/bisp-introduces-banks-to-streamline-funds-disbursement
[6] https://www.bisp.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/BISP_EvaluationReport_Ver%20without_FINAL.pdf
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Income_Support_Programme
[8] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510086/federal-govt-to-spend-330m-more-on-bisp
[9] https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/122281-Rs42-bn-corruption-unearthed-in-Sindh-BISP
[10] https://www.radio.gov.pk/11-10-2019/steps-being-taken-to-turn-bisp-into-model-of-good-governance-dr-sania
[11] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/45233/45233-010-rrp-en.pdf
[12] https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2015/04/22/reaching-poorest-safety-net-pakistan
[13] https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1218093-rs598-718bn-allocated-for-bisp-in-fy25
[14] https://www.adb.org/news/adb-provides-200-million-additional-funding-ongoing-social-protection-development-project
[15] https://www.samaa.tv/2087316354-federal-govt-increases-bisp-budget-by-27
[16] https://8171ehsaasnews.pk/bisp-control-rooms-a-comprehensive-guide-2024/
[17] https://www.bisp.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/An-Overview.pdf
[18] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2395650/rs19b-misappropriated-in-bisp-pac-told
[19] https://www.brecorder.com/news/40314783/social-protection-in-pakistan
[20] https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/818158-Govt-increases-BISP-budget-by-27pc,-allocates-Rs593-billion-for-FY-2024-
[21] https://www.app.com.pk/budget/budget-2023-24/budgetary-allocations-for-bisp-increased-to-mitigate-sufferings-of-poor-segments/
[22] https://www.bisp.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/15_%20MONITORING%20AND%20EVALUATION.pdf
[23] https://in.linkedin.com/company/bispsolutions
[24] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/45233-010-ld-04.pdf
[25] https://www.bisp.gov.pk
[26] https://moib.gov.pk/News/64742
[27] https://www.bisp.gov.pk/Overview
[28] https://www.bisp.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/Reviewed-Analysis-of-various-studies-conducted-on-BISP.pdf
[29] https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/07/21/strengthening-pakistan-s-social-safety-net-program
[30] https://www.bisp.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/10.pdf
[31] https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2016/05/19/cash-transfers-help-pakistans-poorest
[32] https://www.social-protection.org/gimi/gess%E2%80%8C/RessourceDownload.action?ressource.ressourceId=38798&pid=2017
[1] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472959/world-bank-approves-535m-in-loans-to-pakistan
[2] https://www.dawn.com/news/1818690
[3] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510086/federal-govt-to-spend-330m-more-on-bisp
[4] https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/50506/
[5] https://www.imf.org/external/np/prsp/2001/pak/01/113001.pdf
[6] https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-pk/small-business-advice/growing-your-business/smes-in-pakistan-a-guide-to-global-success
[7] https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2016/12/21/new-world-bank-project-in-china-focuses-on-poverty-reduction-through-industrialization
[8] https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202309/01/WS64f17198a310d2dce4bb3600.html
[9] https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2010/03/19/results-profile-china-poverty-reduction
[10] https://english.www.gov.cn/statecouncil/ministries/202202/18/content_WS620ed74ac6d09c94e48a52ed.html
[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518914/
[12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Income_Support_Programme
[13] https://www.paradigmshift.com.pk/smes-in-pakistan/
[14] https://www.theigc.org/blogs/progress-poverty-eradication/poverty-eradication-pakistan-past-present-and-future
[15] https://thediplomat.com/2024/04/strategic-policy-needed-for-pakistans-smes/
[16] https://www.seekahost.com/best-business-ideas-in-pakistan/
[17] http://english.www.gov.cn/news/topnews/202203/09/content_WS62285b20c6d09c94e48a656c.html
[18] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_China
[19] https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/eastasiapacific/ending-poverty-in-china-lessons-for-other-countries-and-challenges-still-ahead
[20] https://www.app.com.pk/national/ministry-of-poverty-alleviation-and-social-safety-achieves-various-milestones/
[21] https://www.dawn.com/news/1807913
[22] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/45233-007-ld-01.pdf
[23] https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/01/11/pr2406-pak-imf-exec-board-completes-first-review-of-the-stand-by-arrangement
[24] https://www.opml.co.uk/projects/evaluating-benazir-income-support-programme
[25] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/33464/files/poverty.pdf
[26] https://www.undp.org/pakistan/poverty-reduction-and-inclusion
[27] https://www.undp.org/pakistan/press-releases/empowering-women-led-businesses-pakistan-usaid-undp-and-srsp-launch-groundbreaking-initiative-khyber-pakhtunkhwa
[28] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/33464/poverty_0.pdf
[29] https://www.finance.gov.pk/poverty/prsp_03.pdf
[30] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/091515/3-industries-driving-chinas-economy.asp
[31] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/103114/chinas-gdp-examined-servicesector-surge.asp
[32] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_of_China
[33] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8129705/
