The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has become one of the most important welfare schemes in Pakistan, providing financial support to millions of poor families. For many women, this quarterly payment is not just financial assistance but their only source of steady income. It helps them cover essential needs such as food, healthcare, schooling, and transport.
However, a growing problem continues to hurt beneficiaries: the practice of agents and middlemen demanding extra service fees during cash collection. Instead of receiving the full amount, many women are forced to give away part of their stipend to people who take advantage of their lack of awareness or digital literacy. This practice is not only illegal but also destroys the true purpose of BISP, which is to reduce poverty and bring relief to the most vulnerable citizens. BISP Agents Demanding Extra Fees
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Understanding the Problem of Extra Fees
Beneficiaries across Pakistan, especially in rural districts, have repeatedly reported that agents demand a “service fee” at the time of withdrawal. These illegal deductions usually range between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000, which is a huge amount for poor families who rely solely on the stipend.
The problem is not limited to one group. Different individuals often take part in this exploitation, such as:
- Payment agents operating biometric machines.
- Guards controlling queues at bank ATMs.
- Local shopkeepers using BISP payment devices.
- Middlemen posing as helpers, journalists, or social workers.
They often justify their actions by claiming they are providing assistance, but in reality, they are unlawfully taking money that belongs to poor women.
Real Impact on Families
For families already living on the edge of poverty, losing even a small portion of their stipend can be devastating. The money deducted is often equal to a week’s worth of food or essential medicine. The following areas are most affected:
- Food Security: The stipend is meant to cover groceries for the household. A deduction means fewer meals and more hunger.
- Healthcare: Many families spend part of the payment on medicine. Even a small cut can prevent them from buying life-saving drugs.
- Education: Children’s school expenses such as notebooks, pencils, and uniforms often depend on this income. Illegal fees reduce their chances of staying in school.
- Family Dignity: It is humiliating for women to be forced to give away their rightful money. The practice erodes trust and dignity.
What might appear as a “small deduction” to some is, in reality, a life-changing loss for families who already struggle for survival.
BISP and Government Response
The government and BISP administration are aware of this issue and have taken steps to control it. In different districts, raids were carried out, and dozens of agents were caught and blocked from operating. Authorities have also conducted investigations against bank staff and shopkeepers who were found guilty of making illegal deductions.
Some of the main actions taken include:
- Suspension and blacklisting of corrupt agents.
- Stronger biometric verification systems to reduce fraud.
- Launch of digital tracking to identify irregular deductions.
- Awareness campaigns to educate beneficiaries about their rights.
- Establishment of helplines and complaint cells at tehsil offices.
Although these actions are encouraging, the problem still exists, especially in rural areas where monitoring is weak. That is why beneficiaries themselves must also stay alert and take steps to protect their full payment.
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5 Best Ways to Protect Your Full Payment Safely
Beneficiaries can avoid exploitation by following a few simple yet powerful steps. These measures can ensure they receive their full payment without deductions:
- Know Your Rights
Every BISP payment is 100% free. You do not need to pay anyone for assistance or services. Agents demanding extra charges are breaking the law. - Avoid Middlemen
Do not trust strangers near ATMs or payment centers. Always use official channels for withdrawing money. Never hand over your CNIC, payment slip, or ATM PIN to anyone. - Keep Receipts and Proofs Safe
After every withdrawal, save the receipt or SMS notification you receive. This proof is crucial if you need to file a complaint. - Take a Trusted Family Member Along
If you find ATMs or biometric machines difficult to use, ask a family member to go with you instead of relying on unknown agents. - Report Immediately
If anyone deducts money from your payment, file a complaint without delay. The complaint process is free and confidential. BISP Agents Demanding Extra Fees
How to File a Complaint – Step by Step
Filing a complaint is simple and can be done through different methods. To make it easier, here’s a summary in table form:
| Method | How It Works | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Toll-Free Helpline | Call the official BISP helpline, explain the deduction details. | CNIC, deduction amount, place, and time. |
| Tehsil Office Visit | Visit your nearest BISP tehsil office, fill out a complaint form. | CNIC and any slips or receipts. |
| Online / SMS | Use the BISP complaint portal or 8171 SMS service. | CNIC and description of the issue. |
| Follow-Up | Track your complaint with the given reference number. | Reference number from BISP staff. |
Complaints are usually resolved within 7–14 working days, provided that you have given complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do agents charge extra fees?
They exploit the lack of awareness among women and pretend they are providing help during withdrawal.
How much money is usually deducted?
Most beneficiaries report deductions of Rs. 1,000–2,000 per installment.
Can a family member file a complaint?
Yes, if they have the CNIC number and payment details, family members can file complaints.
Is the complaint process safe and free?
Yes, there are no charges for filing complaints, and your information is kept private.
How long does it take to get a response?
Normally, it takes 7–14 working days to resolve cases.
Why Awareness Matters
Awareness is the strongest weapon against exploitation. When women know that their payments are completely free, they are less likely to fall into the trap of agents or middlemen. Communities should work together to spread this information, especially in rural areas where digital literacy is low.
By reporting cases and sharing knowledge with neighbors and relatives, beneficiaries can protect not only themselves but also others from illegal deductions. The more people who stand up against such practices, the harder it becomes for exploiters to continue.
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Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Programme was designed to reduce poverty and support the most vulnerable families of Pakistan. However, when agents and shopkeepers demand extra fees, they rob families of their dignity and much-needed financial assistance. BISP Agents Demanding Extra Fees
The solution lies in two things: stronger government action and greater beneficiary awareness. Every rupee of the stipend belongs to the beneficiary, and no one has the right to take even a fraction of it.