New Update: Benazir Income Support Programme Keeps PMT Score Fixed at 35 for Widows

Benazir Income Support Programme Keeps PMT Score Fixed: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan’s largest social safety net, has introduced a major relief measure for widows. As of 2025, the Proxy Means Test (PMT) score for widowed women has been fixed at 35. This means that widows falling under this score will continue receiving uninterrupted financial assistance without the need for repeated eligibility reviews.

What Is BISP?

Launched in 2008, BISP was designed to support low-income households, with a special focus on women. Its primary goal is to:

• Reduce poverty through direct cash transfers
• Empower women by making them the primary recipients
• Provide relief to widows, divorced women, and families without a male breadwinner

The program uses a Proxy Means Test (PMT) scoring system to determine eligibility. The PMT evaluates households based on:

• Income levels
• Housing conditions
• Utilities access (electricity, gas, water)
• Household assets

Why Fix the PMT at 35 for Widows?

1. Guarantees Support: Widowed women know they qualify as long as other basic requirements, like having a valid CNIC, are met.
2. Saves Time: No need for repeat assessments — assistance is simpler and faster.
3. Ensures Fairness: Widows face real hardship, and this rule ensures they aren’t denied aid over small score changes.

Who Benefits?

1. Existing Widows: Continue receiving aid under the same fixed criteria.
2. New Applicants (Widows): If applying for the first time, they automatically qualify by meeting the fixed PMT score and basic eligibility rules.
3. Others: Non-widowed applicants are assessed under the standard PMT process.

Broader Impact

This policy strengthens BISP’s commitment to social protection and women’s empowerment. It provides widows in Pakistan with stable financial support, which is especially important given the rising cost of living and economic pressures.

FAQ’s

Question	Answer
What is the PMT in BISP?	A poverty scorecard that ranks households by their level of need.
What does a score of 35 mean for widows?	It’s a fixed benchmark ensuring automatic eligibility for aid.
Could this change in the future?	As of now, it’s fixed, but the government may revise policies later.
Does it apply to divorced women?	No, divorced women are evaluated under normal PMT rules unless otherwise stated.

Conclusion

By fixing the PMT score at 35 for widows, BISP ensures they receive dependable, fair, and transparent support. In an uncertain economy, such policies help strengthen the trust and dignity of some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens.