Vacant Positions in BISP: 1,528 Sanctioned Roles Remain Unfilled by Senate Report
Islamabad: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Faces Staffing Vacancies
In a meeting at Parliament House, chaired by Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, the Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (PA&SS) discussed the staffing situation at BISP. The committee reviewed the compliance report from the previous meeting, during which the Secretary PA&SS outlined the details of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) working with BISP. However, the international NGOs' working details with the Ministry were deferred to the Economic Affairs Division (EAD).
The Committee was briefed on the composition of the BISP Board, which has been non-operational for four months due to the approval of nominations by the Federal Government. The board consists of 11 members, including 6 ex-officio members, one from each province, and one from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The committee stressed the need for transparency in the selection criteria of BISP's board members and recommended that the complete details of the nominees be shared with the Committee.
The BISP also briefed the Committee on the criteria for selecting banks for the disbursement of funds related to Benazir Kafaalat-Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs). By the next financial year, BISP aims to enable beneficiaries to withdraw funds from their preferred bank.
The Committee suggested discouraging the practice of taking employees from the Health and Education departments for BISP, as it could negatively impact these essential sectors. Despite an increase in the program's budget, the number of employees has not been augmented due to austerity measures imposed by the Federal Government. The department has filled some positions on deputation, but 1,528 sanctioned positions remain vacant.
The Committee noted that the Ministry of Finance was absent despite a formal invitation and recommended that they submit reasons for their absence and assure attendance in the next meeting. The Director General (DG) BISP, Balochistan shared the challenges faced due to staff shortage, lack of proper offices, and vehicles. Regarding B-forms, the Committee recommended exemption of processing fees in Balochistan and KPK to facilitate the general public.
Sources suggest that BISP is actively advertising job opportunities in 2025, including roles like Regional Outreach Coordinators for Balochistan and AJK under projects funded by the World Bank. Although the exact number of vacant positions is not explicitly detailed, BISP continues to engage in hiring processes and is expected to receive a significant budget increase. For the most accurate information regarding the vacant positions, it is recommended to consult official BISP announcements or contact their HR department directly.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025.
- To address the staffing vacancies at BISP, the Committee recommended that BISP should actively fill the 1,528 sanctioned positions that remain vacant, considering the increase in the program's budget.
- In light of the active job opportunities advertised in 2025 by BISP, including roles for Regional Outreach Coordinators, it seems that BISP is also seeking funds from sources like the World Bank.
- Amidst the challenges faced due to staff shortage and lack of resources, the Director General (DG) BISP, Balochistan highlighted the necessity for addressing these issues to ensure smooth functioning of the program.
