BISP Camp Sites Closed in September 2025 – Beneficiaries to Collect Payments from Shops Again
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has made an important announcement for September 2025. BISP camp sites have been closed and now payments will again be distributed through designated shops and retail outlets. This change will impact millions of beneficiaries across Pakistan who were earlier receiving their payments through temporary camps.
بے نظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام نے ستمبر 2025 میں ایک نیا فیصلہ کیا ہے کہ تمام کیمپ سائیٹس بند کر دی گئی ہیں اور اب خواتین اور مستحق افراد اپنی رقم دوبارہ مخصوص دکانوں اور ریٹیل مراکز سے وصول کر سکیں گے۔ حکومت نے یہ فیصلہ ادائیگی کے نظام کو آسان اور شفاف بنانے کے لیے کیا ہے تاکہ عوام کو سہولت میسر ہو سکے۔
Why Were BISP Camp Sites Closed?
The temporary camp sites were established earlier this year to handle the large beneficiary turnout and to ensure smooth distribution of the Rs. 13,500 quarterly installment. However, several issues were reported at these camps, such as:
- Long queues leading to inconvenience for women and elderly.
- Technical problems with biometric systems.
- Lack of basic facilities like seating and shade.
- Complaints of mismanagement and overcrowding.
Due to these challenges, the BISP management decided to shift payments back to shops and bank-linked outlets for better accessibility.
Payments Will Now Be Collected from Shops Again
Beneficiaries of the BISP 8171 program will now be able to collect their payments from designated shops across the country. These shops are already linked with Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and Bank Alfalah systems.
This step is expected to:
- Reduce overcrowding.
- Provide beneficiaries the freedom to visit shops at flexible times.
- Ensure faster transactions through the biometric verification system.
- Allow people to collect money from nearby retail points instead of traveling long distances to camps.
How Beneficiaries Can Collect Their Payments
To receive payments from shops, beneficiaries must follow the updated process:
- Check Payment Status
- Send your CNIC number to 8171 and confirm if your installment is ready.
- Visit a Nearby Shop
- Locate a BISP-linked HBL Konnect or Bank Alfalah retailer shop in your area.
- Biometric Verification
- Provide your CNIC and thumb impression for verification.
- Receive Payment
- Collect your cash installment and ensure you count the money in front of the retailer.
- Get Receipt
- Always demand a printed or handwritten receipt for proof of payment.
Government’s Assurance to Beneficiaries
The government has assured that strict monitoring will be conducted to prevent deductions or fraud at shops. Complaints can be registered via:
- BISP helpline 0800-26477
- 8171 SMS service
- Regional BISP offices
Officials have also announced that special teams will visit retail shops to monitor transparency in the payment process.
Beneficiaries’ Concerns and Expectations
While many beneficiaries welcomed the move back to shops, some expressed concerns about:
- Limited number of shops in remote areas.
- Network issues that may cause delays in biometric verification.
- Fear of extra deductions by shopkeepers.
To address these issues, the BISP administration has assured expansion of retail networks and strict action against fraudulent retailers.
Future Plans of BISP
The BISP digital payment system is continuously being upgraded. The government is working to introduce:
- Mobile wallet services for direct transfers.
- Bank account linkages to reduce dependency on retailers.
- Improved grievance redressal systems for faster complaint handling.
This modernization aims to bring greater convenience and transparency for the millions of families depending on the program.
Conclusion
The closure of BISP camp sites in September 2025 marks another shift in the payment distribution system. Beneficiaries are now advised to collect their cash installments from shops linked with banks. This decision is aimed at reducing crowding, increasing convenience, and ensuring transparency.
For millions of poor families, this change is a step toward making the BISP 8171 program more accessible and reliable. Beneficiaries should stay updated through 8171 SMS service and official announcements to avoid confusion.
