POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

President Zardari Approves Rubina Khalid as Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme

"President Asif Ali Zardari appoints Rubina Khalid, a senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, as Chairperson of BISP, continuing the legacy of social welfare initiated by Benazir Bhutto.
2024-05-09
President Zardari Approves Rubina Khalid as Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme

President Asif Ali Zardari has sanctioned the appointment of Rubina Khalid, a prominent figure within the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), succeeding Dr. Amjad Saqib. This decision, as stated in a press release issued by the President House, follows the acceptance of Dr. Saqib's resignation from the position.

Rubina Khalid's ascension to the helm of BISP marks a continuation of the PPP's commitment to social welfare initiatives, a legacy initiated by the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Her appointment, endorsed under Section 5(3) of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Act 2010, underscores the party's dedication to serving the underprivileged segments of society.

The BISP, conceived in 2008 in memory of Benazir Bhutto, stands as Pakistan's largest and most systematic social protection initiative, providing monetary assistance to impoverished individuals and families. Under Rubina Khalid's leadership, the program is poised to continue its mission of alleviating poverty and promoting social justice across the nation.

Rubina Khalid brings with her a wealth of experience and a distinguished political lineage. Hailing from a respected political family in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, her late father, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, served as a Member of the National Assembly. Additionally, her late husband, Rauf Khalid, was a revered cultural icon, honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civil award, for his contributions to the arts.

Having served as a senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2012 and 2018, Rubina Khalid's parliamentary tenure spans over a decade. Her notable contributions include chairing the standing committee on maritime affairs and membership in various other committees, demonstrating her commitment to public service and governance.

President Zardari's endorsement of Rubina Khalid's appointment signifies a strategic move towards bolstering social welfare initiatives in Pakistan, aligning with the vision of the PPP and honoring the legacy of Benazir Bhutto. As she assumes leadership of the BISP, Rubina Khalid is poised to steer the program towards greater efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country.