Punjab refuses to channel flood relief through Benazir Income Support Programme

Lahore, The Punjab government has rejected the idea of providing flood relief through the federal Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), saying it will instead utilize its own resources to assist victims.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, provincial information minister Azma Bukhari said Punjab would not wait for foreign assistance, adding that BISP could not cover those who were not registered in the system.

She criticized Sindh’s handling of past disasters, saying despite international aid, full rehabilitation had not been achieved there. Bukhari highlighted that even PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had praised the Punjab chief minister’s efforts, which she considered more credible than political rhetoric.

According to official figures, the floods have affected 4.7 million people in Punjab, with 2.6 million relocated to safer areas. The provincial government has announced a comprehensive relief package:

Farmers to receive PKR 20,000 per acre of damaged crops.

PKR 1 million compensation for fully destroyed permanent houses.

PKR 500,000 for partially damaged mud houses.

PKR 500,000 for loss of livestock such as cows or buffaloes.