RAWALAKOT, Azad Kashmir — In the bustling bazaars of Rawalakot, Fatima Bibi, a widow and mother of four, waits anxiously outside a Bank Alfalah branch. She is one of millions of low-income women across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir who rely on the Benazir Kafalat Programme (BKP) — a government cash assistance scheme — to survive.
“Without this money, I wouldn’t be able to feed my children,” she says, clutching her biometric ATM card. “Prices keep rising, but this help keeps us afloat.”
With inflation on the rise and economic pressures mounting, the PKR 10,500 quarterly payments have become a critical lifeline for struggling families like Fatima’s.
The Benazir Kafalat Program is a crucial social safety net for millions across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan-administered Kashmir). This article provides detailed insights into Benazir Kafalat Program payment details, eligibility, registration process, payment methods, and frequently asked questions — especially for citizens of AJK.
The Benazir Kafalat Program (BKP) is a flagship social welfare initiative by the Government of Pakistan, aimed at providing financial support to low-income and deserving women across the country, including Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir). Under the program, eligible women receive quarterly cash payments, typically between Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 12,000, through Biometric ATM cards, bank branches, or registered retail outlets.
Also Read: Own Your Dream Car: How to Get AJK Bank Car Loan in Azad Jammu & Kashmir
As of 2025, thousands of families in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Gilgit, Skardu, and other areas of Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are benefiting from this initiative.
- Monthly stipend (2025: PKR 9,000 per quarter)
- Priority to women as primary beneficiaries
- Biometric verification for transparency
- Dedicated grievance redressal system
Benazir Kafalat Program Payment Details (2025)
- Amount: PKR 9,000 per quarter (every 3 months)
- Next Payment Date: June 2025 (check with BISP office for latest announcement)
- Beneficiary: Registered women (head of household) in eligible families
- Payment Status: Can be checked online or via SMS (see below)
Latest Benazir Kafalat Program Payment Details (2025)
Here’s what you need to know about the latest payment cycle of the Benazir Kafalat Program for Azad Kashmir residents:
| Payment Month | Amount | Disbursement Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–June 2025 | Rs. 10,500 | Starting from May 20 | JazzCash, Bank Alfalah, HBL Konnect |
| Next Cycle | Rs. 10,500 (Expected) | August 2025 (Expected) | ATM, Cash Center, Mobile Wallets |
Biometric ATM Cards
Major Pakistani banks (HBL, Bank Alfalah) issue special ATM cards for beneficiaries.
Withdraw cash from any compatible ATM after biometric verification.
Branchless Banking (Agents & Retailers)
JazzCash and EasyPaisa retailers in local markets.
Present original CNIC; biometric thumb verification required.
Designated Campsites
Temporary camps set up during payment cycles in union councils and tehsils.
BISP officials present for on-the-spot grievance redressal.
Option 1: SMS Service
- Send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 8171
- You will receive a reply with your eligibility and payment status
Option 2: BISP Web Portal
- Visit the BISP 8171 Web Portal
- Enter your CNIC to check payment status and registration details
Option 3: BISP Helpline
- Call the official helpline at 0800-26477
- Urdu, Kashmiri, and English language support available
Eligibility is determined through a rigorous poverty scorecard survey overseen by BISP teams and local government officials.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Family income below the officially defined poverty threshold
- Female head of household present
- Valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Not employed in a government job
- Not receiving other significant government benefits
- Resident of Pakistan-administered areas (including all districts of Azad Kashmir)
Special Note:
Widows, divorced women, and women with disabilities are prioritized for inclusion.
Dynamic Survey
BISP teams conduct a door-to-door survey in villages and towns.
Data collected is used to determine poverty score.
Self-Registration at BISP Office
Visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office with CNIC and household information.
Fill out the required forms and complete biometric verification.
Online Pre-Check
Use the 8171 Web Portal for initial eligibility check.
Remember: There are no fees or agents required for registration. Report any fraud to the BISP helpline.
Payments are released every quarter (three months).
Generally, the program targets women as heads of household. However, exceptions exist for households without an adult woman (e.g., orphan-led families).
- Original CNIC of the applicant
- Family details (B-Form for children helps)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, if available)
- Check payment status via SMS or web portal
- Visit nearest BISP office or payment campsite
- Call the BISP helpline for assistance
Yes, the program covers all districts: Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum, Bhimber, Hattian Bala, and more.
- Always use your own CNIC for verification.
- Do not pay any agent—all services are free.
- If you face any deduction or fraud, immediately report to BISP using the helpline or at the payment campsite.
- Keep your contact details updated with BISP for payment alerts.
- June 2025: Next payment cycle to begin. Monitor SMS and local BISP offices for dates.
- Mobile vans are being deployed to remote areas for those unable to visit cities.
- Women with disabilities can now authorize close family members for payment collection (with proper documentation).
Stay tuned to The Azadi Times for regular updates on Benazir Kafalat Program payment details.
The Benazir Kafalat Program remains a lifeline for thousands of families in Azad Kashmir. By understanding payment details, eligibility, and the registration process, you can ensure your household receives the support it deserves. For more updates, always rely on trusted sources like the official BISP website and The Azadi Times.
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