**Summary:**
Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Social Protection Authority, Jahan Ara Manzoor Wattoo, visited the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) center in Depalpur, Okara district, to review ongoing social welfare initiatives. During her visit, she engaged with beneficiaries and highlighted the impact of government-led programs aimed at supporting marginalized communities, empowering women, and promoting education.
During the visit, Jahan Ara Wattoo was warmly received by the Deputy Director of BISP and the Assistant Commissioner of Depalpur, Faisal Waleed. She undertook a comprehensive review of services provided at the center and interacted with women benefiting from the program.
Speaking to the media, Wattoo explained that Depalpur is the largest tehsil in Okara district, comprising 67 union councils, where over 90,000 eligible individuals receive financial assistance through BISP. She emphasized that the inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds has demonstrated the program’s effectiveness in delivering tangible relief to deprived segments of society.
Highlighting the broader objectives of BISP, the Vice Chairperson described it as a flagship national social protection initiative aimed at supporting the country’s most vulnerable populations with financial aid to cover essential expenses. Wattoo noted that the program plays a crucial role in women’s empowerment, improving children’s education and health, and reducing economic inequality. She further stated that BISP was launched in accordance with the vision of the late Benazir Bhutto, who aspired to create a Pakistan where every citizen enjoys dignity, equal opportunities, and social security.
On the occasion, Wattoo also shared information about the Zevar-e-Taleem (Jewels of Education) Program, which provides a quarterly stipend of Rs. 3,000 to female students from grades six to ten who maintain at least 80 percent attendance. She stressed that the Punjab Social Protection Authority aims not only to provide financial support but also to open pathways for sustainable development through education and awareness. Initiatives like Zevar-e-Taleem, Wattoo added, not only motivate girls to pursue education but also encourage parents to take their daughters’ schooling seriously.
Wattoo further revealed that, under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a modern, integrated, and dynamic database is being established to enhance social welfare planning across the province. Through the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER), a comprehensive door-to-door survey is underway to accurately assess the socio-economic status of households and ensure targeted delivery of assistance and services. She highlighted the use of modern technology to promote transparency and accuracy in the ongoing survey.
The Vice Chairperson extended her gratitude to the district administration and local community members for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the successful implementation of these programs. She reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to continuing transparent, fair, and effective initiatives for public welfare in the future.
