Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (Pakistan)

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Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division
Agency overview
Formed2020
Jurisdiction Government of Pakistan
Headquarters Islamabad, Pakistan
Minister responsible
  • Vacant, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety
Parent department Cabinet Secretariat
Website https://www.pass.gov.pk/

The Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division is a division of the Cabinet Secretariat in Pakistan that was established in 2020. It's responsible for formulating and implementing policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty, improving social safety nets, and providing assistance to vulnerable segments of society.

History

The division's primary focus lies in poverty reduction and the implementation of social safety net programs, with the Ehsaas Programme standing out as its flagship initiative. The Ehsaas Program is a comprehensive poverty reduction endeavor encompassing a spectrum of interventions, ranging from cash transfers to educational and healthcare initiatives, as well as livelihood support programs. [1]

In addition to the Ehsaas Program, the division oversees several other notable initiatives, [2] including the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the Waseela-e-Taleem Program (WeT), the Waseela-e-Sehat Program (WeS), and the Kafalat Program. [3] These programs aim to provide financial assistance to low-income households, enhance access to education and healthcare services, and offer support to vulnerable segments of society such as the elderly and disabled. [4] [5]

The Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division collaborates closely with provincial governments, civil society organizations, and international development partners to implement poverty reduction initiatives throughout Pakistan. [6] [7]

Related Research Articles

Poverty in Pakistan has been recorded by the World Bank at 39.3% using the lower middle-income poverty rate of US$3.2 per day for the fiscal year 2020–21. In September 2021, the government stated that 22% percent of its population lives below the national poverty line set at Rs. 3030 (US$10) per month.

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References

  1. "DevelopmentAid".
  2. "Kafalat programme reaching out to remote areas, says PM's aide". 20 December 2022.
  3. "World must help Pakistan suffering from climate change issues: Marri". 29 October 2022.
  4. Tahir, Muhammad Wajid; Kauser, Rubina; Bury, Madeline; Bhatti, Javed Shafiq (August 4, 2018). "'Individually-led' or 'female-male partnership' models for entrepreneurship with the BISP support: The story of women's financial and social empowerment from Pakistan". Women's Studies International Forum. 68: 1–10. doi:10.1016/j.wsif.2018.01.011 via www.academia.edu.
  5. "Benazir Income Support Programme". www.bisp.gov.pk.
  6. "Senate of Pakistan". senate.gov.pk.
  7. "Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security calls on PM". www.radio.gov.pk.