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Punjab Govt Refuses BISP Aid for Flood Victims, Announces Own Relief Package
Punjab govt rules out BISP aid for flood victims, says assistance will be given from provincial resources. Relief package includes cash for farmers, housing & livestock losses.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-09-23
Punjab Govt Refuses BISP Aid for Flood Victims, Announces Own Relief Package

The Punjab government has announced that assistance for flood victims will not be provided through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), opting instead to utilize its own resources for relief efforts.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari criticized the reliance on BISP, questioning its credibility in delivering timely aid. “Should we take wisdom from those who turned Sindh into an archeology? Despite external assistance, people in Sindh have not fully recovered,” she remarked.

Bukhari said that the Punjab government is determined to stand by its citizens without depending on outside institutions. “We are not waiting for external assistance. Assistance cannot be provided through BISP, because how can those who are not registered with the program be helped?” she asked.

Relief Package Details

The information minister revealed that 4.7 million people were affected by the recent floods in Punjab, with 2.6 million relocated to safer areas. She announced a comprehensive relief package on behalf of the Punjab Chief Minister, which includes:

·       Rs 20,000 per acre for farmers in flood-affected areas.

·       Rs 1 million compensation for fully collapsed pucca houses.

·       Rs 500,000 for collapsed kucha houses.

·       Rs 500,000 for the loss of a cow or buffalo.

An initial survey of damages has already been completed, Bukhari said, adding that the government would ensure timely payments to all affected families.

Political Context

Bukhari also referred to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent remarks praising Punjab’s chief minister, saying, “I consider Bilawal Bhutto’s statement more credible. We can only pray for those who do flood politics.”

The announcement comes amid ongoing debates over the role of federal and provincial institutions in disaster relief, with Punjab choosing to directly manage the distribution of aid rather than channeling it through BISP.
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