ISLAMABAD: Information Secretary of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Nadeem Afzal Chan, on Saturday strongly criticised Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah’s remarks regarding the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing them as regrettable and reflective of an anti-poor mindset.
“The programme’s transparency and effectiveness have been acknowledged by international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and leading research organisations, yet some political opponents continue to target it,” he said in a statement issued on Saturday.
The PPP Information Secretary said critics remained fearful of the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the public support associated with her name. He emphasised that BISP had become a vital source of support for millions of low-income families, particularly women, across the country.
The PPP leader alleged that the politics of BISP’s critics revolved around privileged classes and business interests rather than the welfare of ordinary citizens. He expressed concern that attempts were being made to undermine a programme that provides essential financial assistance to vulnerable households. Chan said it was unfortunate that some politicians were effectively advocating policies that would deprive poor families of much-needed support. He urged political opponents not to take out their grievances against Benazir Bhutto’s legacy on underprivileged people in Punjab and other parts of the country. He further noted that the Benazir Income Support Programme had earned international recognition as a successful model of social protection and poverty alleviation, benefiting millions of deserving families nationwide.
