Illegal deductions in BISP stipends continue unabated

The illegal practice of deducting Rs1,000 to Rs2,000 from the stipend provided through the Benazir Bhutto Income Support Program (BISP) for the financial assistance of deserving women continues unabated.

Acting on complaints of these illegal deductions, Khuski police have registered a case against 16 device holders. Raids are being conducted to arrest those involved in the fraud, but the accused have closed their centers and fled, halting the payment process and causing difficulties for the women reliant on these funds.

Complaints of illegal deductions are not limited to Badin but are also prevalent in other cities and towns, including Matli, Talhar, Tando Bago, and Golarchi.

Sources say that those involved in these forced deductions include device holders, officials at the payment centers, extortion agents, journalists, cameramen, social activists, and members of political and social organisations.

Franchise and device holders claim they are coerced into making these deductions to appease police agents, blackmailers, journalists, social activists, and influential figures.

It has been revealed that some device franchise holders have handed over their devices to political figures, police, journalists, and social activists to avoid scrutiny and share the illicit gains. The affected women are calling on Chief Justice of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and top officials to take strict action against those involved in the illegal deduction of their stipend amounts.