*Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid extends Independence Day greetings to the nation; launches the “Green Pakistan, Benazir Pakistan” tree plantation campaign; cuts Independence Day cake with children enrolled in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme; distributes appreciation certificates to doctors, paramedical staff and volunteers for their services during the Swat floods; special prayers offered for Pakistan’s peace, stability, progress and prosperity.*
*”Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with abundant resources. We need to move forward with collective thinking, self-accountability and a spirit of national service. The Benazir Income Support Programme is the practical manifestation of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision. BISP has introduced revolutionary reforms in the payment system through the Digital Wallet. The sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces for the defence, peace and stability of the country are a source of pride for the entire nation. We must project Pakistan’s positive and peaceful image before the world,” said Senator Rubina Khalid.*
A ceremony to commemorate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was held at the Headquarters of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The event was attended by Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad, Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz, BISP officers and employees, BISP beneficiary families, and children enrolled in the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme.
The ceremony commenced with Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid planting a sapling at the BISP Headquarters, marking the launch of the “Green Pakistan, Benazir Pakistan” Tree Plantation Campaign. On the occasion, she said that *Pakistan is currently facing the severe impacts of climate change, making tree plantation not merely a campaign but a national emergency. She stressed that tree plantation must be promoted on a war footing to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.* She urged every Pakistani to play their part in this national responsibility by planting more trees and ensuring their protection. She further announced that the tree plantation campaign would not remain confined to Independence Day but would continue throughout the year as a national movement to help build a safer, greener and more prosperous Pakistan for future generations.
Later, Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad and Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz cut the Independence Day cake together with children benefiting from the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme. Gifts were also distributed among the children on the occasion.
During the ceremony, appreciation certificates were presented to doctors, paramedical staff and volunteers in recognition of their selfless services during last year’s floods in Swat. Senator Rubina Khalid paid tribute to their dedication, stating that those who serve humanity in times of hardship are the true heroes of the nation.
Addressing the ceremony, Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid said that Pakistan lacks nothing, as Allah Almighty has blessed the country with immense resources. She emphasized that the need of the hour is to move forward with collective thinking, self-accountability and a spirit of national service.
She said that the Benazir Income Support Programme is the practical manifestation of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, which aimed to provide dignity, protection and empowerment to the country’s most vulnerable and deserving segments of society. She added that President Asif Ali Zardari translated this vision into reality. She further stated that today BISP is providing social protection to more than 10 million deserving families across Pakistan. She urged women beneficiaries to consider Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as their role model.
The Chairperson further said that BISP has introduced revolutionary reforms in its payment mechanism, with the Digital Wallet being a major milestone in this transformation. She explained that under the interoperability system, women beneficiaries will be able to receive their payments from any authorized bank agent, in any city, on any day and at any time across the country.
Concluding her address, Senator Rubina Khalid paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces, stating that their sacrifices for the defence, peace and stability of the country are a source of immense pride for the entire nation. The ceremony concluded with special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, stability, progress and prosperity.
