2021 News Archive
(June - Dec)
Sania lauds top performers in Ehsaas School Stipends enrollment drive
Dec 30, 2021- Islamabad: Ehsaas hosted an appreciation award ceremony to honour the contributions of field teams and regional officials of Ehsaas engaged in Ehsaas School Stipends enrollment drive. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the ceremony. Secretary Ismat Tahira, DG Naveed Akbar, DG Khalid Siddique and DG Zafar Kamal also graced the occasion. During the period of Jul to Sep 2021, majority of field teams met all enrollment targets on time and made substantial progress on creating awareness and leading enrollment drive for Ehsaas School Stipends. The programme enrolled 907,486 children in all tehsils of the country which shows 99.3% achievement against the target of 913,590. To celebrate the achievement of this major milestone, a cohort of 30 high performing field officers were invited to Islamabad. Dr. Sania applauded the efforts of high achieving officials and encouraged them for their future milestones. The event was attended by the high performing officials from Gujranwala, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Multan, Lakki Marwat, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Skardu, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Mastung, Naseerabad, Karachi, Tando Allahyar and Islamabad. A plan was also discussed to expedite the enrolment drive in the first quarter of year 2022. Later, Dr. Sania gave away appreciation certificates to high performers.
Sania lauds top performers in Ehsaas School Stipends enrollment drive
Dec 30, 2021- Islamabad: Ehsaas hosted an appreciation award ceremony to honour the contributions of field teams and regional officials of Ehsaas engaged in Ehsaas School Stipends enrollment drive. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the ceremony. Secretary Ismat Tahira, DG Naveed Akbar, DG Khalid Siddique and DG Zafar Kamal also graced the occasion. During the period of Jul to Sep 2021, majority of field teams met all enrollment targets on time and made substantial progress on creating awareness and leading enrollment drive for Ehsaas School Stipends. The programme enrolled 907,486 children in all tehsils of the country which shows 99.3% achievement against the target of 913,590. To celebrate the achievement of this major milestone, a cohort of 30 high performing field officers were invited to Islamabad. Dr. Sania applauded the efforts of high achieving officials and encouraged them for their future milestones. The event was attended by the high performing officials from Gujranwala, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Multan, Lakki Marwat, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Skardu, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Mastung, Naseerabad, Karachi, Tando Allahyar and Islamabad. A plan was also discussed to expedite the enrolment drive in the first quarter of year 2022. Later, Dr. Sania gave away appreciation certificates to high performers.
Sania keynotes poverty alleviation consultation with members of GB Assembly
Dec 29, 2021- Islamabad: Dr. Sania keynoted a high-level consultative workshop on “Youth Employability and Poverty Alleviation” for the members of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly. The two-day workshop was held by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). Dr. Sania appreciated the proactive approach of the government of GB towards Ehsaas. “In addition to monthly stipends, families eligible in Ehsaas Kafaalat are also benefitting from Ehsaas School Stipends across all Tehsils of GB. The program gives stipends from primary to the higher secondary levels. Ehsaas Nashonuma, Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship and Ehsaas Interest Free Loan programmes are also running in GB”, said Dr. Sania. A strategic plan was also discussed with members of GB Assembly to open Ehsaas Nashonuma and Ehsaas One Window Centers in all Tehsils of GB. Dr. Sania also encouraged members of GB Assembly to create awareness among the people of GB on a multitude of Ehsaas programmes particularly, the ongoing Ehsaas Rashan registration drive with Kiryana retailers and families. The inaugural session was graced by the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid Khan. The speakers in the workshop emphasized on contextualizing the development plans so that they are more in sync with the issues of Gilgit-Baltistan.
PM unveils plan for purpose built new Panagahs
Dec 22, 2021 – Islamabad: In a soft launch event, Prime Minister Imran Khan broke the ground for the new model Panagahs being built in Islamabad Capital Territory with improved standards and structure. On the special instructions of the Prime Minister, the four new Panagahs are being built in Tarlai, Tarnol, G-9 and Mandi More areas of Islamabad adjacent to the existing facilities. At the event, PM also unveiled the final plans of these multistoried Panagahs to be constructed. He lauded Ehsaas team, CDA, NCA and all concerned for their collaborative efforts and instructed to ensure the speedy execution of new model Panagahs. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of provision of quality food and service at the Panagahs. He also appreciated the collective efforts of the concerned departments and directed them to replicate the model in the provinces on the same line. Earlier, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed the PM on the Panagahs’ new strategic plan including construction, furnishing, governance, execution, digital monitoring, capacity building and financing.
Sania briefs CS and district administrations of Punjab on Ehsaas Rashan Registration
Dec 21, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired a briefing together with Chief Secretary Punjab, Kamran Ali Afzal on Ehsaas Rashan Registration. DG Social Welfare, Secretary Food, Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of all districts of Punjab attended the meeting. The briefing discussed detailed plan with district administrations of Punjab to expedite the registration of Kiryana retailers and families under the ongoing Ehsaas Rashan Registration drive. Outlining details of Ehsaas Rashan programme, Dr. Sania urged the district administrations in Punjab to support the ongoing registration drive with Kiryana retailers and families. Chief Secretary Punjab and district administrations widely lauded Ehsaas Rashan programme and ensured full support for its registration drive. It was agreed that regular weekly meetings will be convened to track the registration drive across all districts of Punjab. Muhammad Ali Shahzada, Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD), Captain (Rtd) Saeed Ahmed Nawaz, Additional Secretary of the Division, Hamayoun Sajjad, Chief Digital Officer, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and other senior officials of the bank also joined the briefing.
Executive Director WFP richly lauds Ehsaas Nashonuma
December 16, 2021- Islamabad: Ehsaas and World Food Programme (WFP) inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the Ehsaas Nashonuma programme currently from 15 districts to all Tehsils of Pakistan. David Beasley, Executive Director, World Food Programme and Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar SAPM jointly witnessed the MoU signing ceremony. Country Director WFP Pakistan, Chris Kaye and Secretary Ismat Tahira formally signed the MoU. Speaking on the occasion, David Beasley stated, “I highly commend Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision and commitment to address the issue of stunting in children across Pakistan. Other countries can also learn from it.” He also congratulated the PM on the success of the programme. Dr. Sania termed Ehsaas’ partnership with WFP as remarkable and thanked the WFP leadership and country team for their assistance in the programme design, roll out and national scale-up. Senior officials of Ehsaas and WFP Pakistan also joined the event.
President hails One Window Ehsaas Center in Islamabad
Dec 15, 2021- Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi visited the One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed him on the One Stop Shop operations of Ehsaas which integrate all benefits and services for 14 different target groups in one space. At the Center, President took stock of the wide ranging One Window Ehsaas services and met with beneficiaries. “It is heartening to see that all Ehsaas services can be accessed at this facility in a well-coordinated manner, and this is the real demonstration of a welfare state”, said President. He highly commended the integration of all Ehsaas services under one roof and congratulated Ehsaas team for running a multitude of Ehsaas programmes with utmost integrity and transparency. Secretary Ismat Tahira, DG Khalid Siddique, DG Naveed Akbar, DG Meer Anwar and other senior officials of Ehsaas were also present on the occasion.
Ehsaas and NCSW join forces for welfare of women and girls
Dec 10, 2021 – Islamabad: Commemorating sixteen days of activism campaign against gender-based violence, the event titled, ‘Humein Ehsaas Hai Khwateen Ka” was held under the umbrella of Ehsaas. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM was the chief guest on the occassion. The event was co-organzied by Ehsaas, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and Quaid -e-Azam University. Nilofer Bakhtiar, Chairperson, NCSW; Secretary Ismat Tahira; Secretary Arif Anwar Baloch, and Dr. Muhammad Ali, VC Quaid-e-Azam University also graced the occasion. Addressing the event, Dr. Sania said, “Education is essential for the socio-economic empowerment of girls and women. “Ehsaas is the only programme worldwide that offers a higher stipend amount for girls compared to boys under its CCT programmes; Ehsaas School Stipends and Ehsaas Nashonuma”, she highlighted further. Dr. Sania also applauded the collaboration between NCSW and Ehsaas. The event was widely attended by senior officials of Ehsaas, government officials, development partners, awardees of Ehsaas undergraduate scholarships, faculty and students of Quaid-e-Azam University, and women and girls from all walks of life.
PM launches Ehsaas Rashan Registration drive in KP; Awards Ehsaas’ Scholarships, Ehsaas Kafaalat and Ehsaas School Stipends
Dec 8, 2021 – Peshawar: Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Peshawar to launch the registration drive of Ehsaas Rashan Riayat. Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister said, “Ehsaas Rashan Registration is currently underway, nationwide. We have launched Rs. 120 billion Ehsaas Rashan Riayat to protect the 20 million underprivileged families from the effects of COVID induced inflation that has impacted not just Pakistan but the entire world. Overall, the programme will cover more than half the country’s population.” At the Governor House KP, PM was joined by Mahmood Khan, Chief Minister KP; Shah Farman, Governor KP; Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM; Fawad Chaudhry, Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting, Ministers and Members of Provincial Assembly KP. PM also gave away need cum merit based Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships to female students of University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar. It was followed by distribution of Kafaalat cheques among Ehsaas beneficiary women who had recently been enrolled through the Ehsaas survey. Later, PM also met with parents and children enrolled in Ehsaas School Stipends.
Sania convenes meeting on Ehsaas Rashan Registration with DCs of all districts in KP
Dec 8, 2021 – Peshawar: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired a meeting together with Chief Secretary KP, Dr. Shahbaz Khan Bangash at the Chief Secretary Office in Peshawar. Deputy Commissioners of all districts in KP joined the meeting. To facilitate the enrollment of families and Kiryana merchants under Ehsaas Rashan Registration drive, the meeting thoroughly discussed engagement plan for district administrations. Dr. Sania urged the DCs to create awareness about the Ehsaas Rashan registration among the poor and Kiryana merchants. Chief Secretary KP and all DCs assured full support and cooperation in the registration and execution of Ehsaas Rashan programme.
ADB approves $603 Million program to support Ehsaas Social Protection and Poverty Reduction Strategy
Dec 8, 2021 – Manila: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $603 million results-based lending program to strengthen and expand social protection programs in Pakistan. Using conditional cash transfers, the program will support the implementation of Ehsaas, Pakistan’s national social protection and poverty reduction strategy. The program marks a significant shift in ADB’s strategic engagement in the social protection space in Pakistan in line with Ehsaas priorities,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. The program supports the Ehsaas goal of expanding cash transfers to improve access to primary and secondary education up to grade 10 for children and adolescents of poor families, especially girls, and enhancing health services and nutrition for women, adolescent girls, and poor children. “ADB is a trusted and longstanding partner. This program is the result of years of engagement with ADB and other partners and focuses on areas where we believe the bank can have most impact. It is a key priority under the government’s Ehsaas strategy,” said Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM.
British High Commissioner calls on Dr. Sania
Dec 7, 2021 – Islamabad: British High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Christian Turner called on Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM at Ehsaas Offices. The meeting discussed prospective collaborations under Ehsaas. Additional Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division Captain (Retd) Saeed Ahmad Nawaz, DG Khalid Siddique, DG Noor Rehman, senior officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others also joined the meeting.
Sania inaugurates Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue in Islamabad
Dec 7, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM was invited to keynote the inaugural session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Bilateral Dialogue on “Women for Peace Initiative – Road to an inclusive future” organized by a local think tank, the Regional Peace Institute (RPI) in Islamabad. Dr. Sania was joined by SAPM Raoof Hasan, who is also the CEO of RPI, H.E. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway, Sharmeela Rassool, UN Women Country Representative for Pakistan and distinguished women delegates from Afghanistan. Keynoting the session, Dr. Sania welcomed distinguished women delegates from Afghanistan and stressed on the importance of socio-economic mainstreaming women in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to empower underprivileged women, she stated, “More than three-quarters of the entire Ehsaas’ benefits go to women and girls under the Ehsaas 50%+ benefits policy for women and girls. Also, gender data disaggregation and its use for accountability is cardinal to the programme review, monitoring and reporting.” She further highlighted that all the twelve million beneficiaries of the Ehsaas cash this year are women. The distinguished women delegates of Afghanistan affirmed to cooperate on various aspects of common aspirations in poverty reduction and women empowerment. The two-day dialogue included working sessions around education for women, governance and development, and legislative processes and procedures.
Sania joins President at the 24th Sustainable Development Conference
Dec 6, 2021 – Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi was the chief guest at the twenty fourth Sustainable Development Conference hosted by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). The overarching theme of the conference was ‘Beyond the Pandemic: Leaving No One Behind’. Addressing the conference, President said, “Digitalization of the economy is essential to empower women and bring other deprived segments into the mainstream.” Speaking on the occasion, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM said that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world that health was a national security issue and shifted people towards digitalization. She further added that the government had been prioritizing digitalization even before the pandemic had surfaced as it had launched 20 programs under Ehsaas. “Pakistan is the first country that is paying higher stipend to girls for their enrolment in schools,” she said. SDPI Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri appreciated the timely steps taken by the government to contain the pandemic and commodities prices which saved people from food scarcity. The Sustainable Development Conference was a reflection on the two years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sania chairs international consultative clinic on food subsidy reform
Dec 2, 2021: Pakistan has recently introduced a targeted food subsidy programme, “Ehsaas Rashan Riayat” to compensate for prices increases in the food items which would affect the poor. To learn from the experiences of other countries, an international consultative clinic on food subsidy reforms was convened by the World Bank to inform the design of Pakistan’s targeted commodity subsidies reform. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the event. Speakers and experts from Washington, Cairo, Jakarta, Islamabad and Karachi joined the clinic. At the event, Dr. Sania was joined by Stefano Paternostro, Practice Manager, Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, South Asia Region, the World Bank; Ugo Gentilini, Global Lead, Social Assistance, Global Practice, World Bank; Dr. Ibtissam El-Gaafarawi, Advisor to the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Minister and Professor at the National Center for Social and Criminological Research, Egypt; and Dr. Elan Satriawan, Chief of Policy Working Group in TNP2K, Indonesia. Participants appreciated Pakistan’s digitally driven Ehsaas Rashan programme that is meant to grant a subsidy of Rs. 1,000 a month to Rs. 20 million low-income families on the purchase of certain food items including flour, cooking oil/ghee and pulses.
PM chairs Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Registration briefing
Islamabad – Dec 1, 2021: Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired Ehsaas Rashan Riayat meeting to review progress on Ehsaas Rashan Registration and execution. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed the PM on the steps being taken to enroll families and Kiryana shopkeepers under the programme. Prime Minister said, “Government is taking all possible measures to provide maximum relief to a common man.” Briefing the PM on the ongoing Ehsaas Rashan registration, Dr. Sania said, “Since the Ehsaas Rashan Registration web-portal opened on Nov 9, 2021, the portal received as many as 489.96 million visits. Over 6.83 million families have been registered through 8171 service and Ehsaas Rashan web-portal, so far. Likewise, 33,178 Kiryana shopkeepers have been registered nationwide under Ehsaas Rashan and registration of 50,562 shopkeepers is currently in process on the portal.” PM directed participating provinces, district governments and other concerned authorities to expedite the Rashan registration process to benefit maximum number of poor families in the country. Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar; Chief Minister KP, Mahmood Khan; Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Khalid Khurshid; Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin; SAPM on Political Communication, Dr. Shehbaz Gill; Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi; President NBP, Arif Usmani and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
PM chairs Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Registration briefing
Islamabad – Dec 1, 2021: Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired Ehsaas Rashan Riayat meeting to review progress on Ehsaas Rashan Registration and execution. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed the PM on the steps being taken to enroll families and Kiryana shopkeepers under the programme. Prime Minister said, “Government is taking all possible measures to provide maximum relief to a common man.” Briefing the PM on the ongoing Ehsaas Rashan registration, Dr. Sania said, “Since the Ehsaas Rashan Registration web-portal opened on Nov 9, 2021, the portal received as many as 489.96 million visits. Over 6.83 million families have been registered through 8171 service and Ehsaas Rashan web-portal, so far. Likewise, 33,178 Kiryana shopkeepers have been registered nationwide under Ehsaas Rashan and registration of 50,562 shopkeepers is currently in process on the portal.” PM directed participating provinces, district governments and other concerned authorities to expedite the Rashan registration process to benefit maximum number of poor families in the country. Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar; Chief Minister KP, Mahmood Khan; Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Khalid Khurshid; Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin; SAPM on Political Communication, Dr. Shehbaz Gill; Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi; President NBP, Arif Usmani and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
Last date to apply for Ehsaas Undergrad Scholarship extended till Dec 31, 2021
Nov 29, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM has announced an extension in the last date to submit scholarship applications for the year 2021 till Dec 31, 2021. Earlier, Nov 30, 2021 was the last date for the online submission of applications. Given the delays in admission process at several public sector universities in the country, the last date for Ehsaas scholarship applications has been extended to enable maximum number of deserving students to apply for this opportunity. Since the reopening of portal in the last week of Sep 2021, as many as 77,210 applications have been submitted and 23,740 application cases are in process of submission. 135 public sector universities recognized by Higher Education Commission are part of this programme. Students enrolled in 4 to 5-year undergraduate programmes of public sector universities are eligible to submit applications for the year 2021. Eligible students can apply through an online portal: https://ehsaas.hec.gov.pk/.
Sania chairs the 53rd board meeting of BISP
Nov 29, 2021 – Islamabad: The 53rd board meeting of BISP took place at the BISP headquarters in Islamabad. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the meeting. The board took several important decisions regarding the conditional and unconditional cash transfer programmes of Ehsaas. Since Dec 2018, when Dr. Sania took over as a board chair, 24 BISP board meetings have been held and all board sub-committees are regularly meeting in line with the Ehsaas Governance and Integrity Policy. The board meeting was attended by Senior Joint Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, Secretary BISP and senior officials from the Finance Division, Economic Affairs Division, NADRA and private sector. BISP is one of the 34 executing agencies of Ehsaas.
KP Parliamentarians briefed on Ehsaas Rashan Registration
Nov 26, 2021 – Peshawar: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM went to Peshawar to brief KP Parliamentarians on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Registration. The meeting took place at KP Assembly Secretariat. Speaker KP, Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, Deputy Speaker KP, Mehmood Jan, Finance and Health Minister KP, Taimur Saleem Jhagra and senior officials of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) were also present in the briefing. Speaking to Provincial Parliamentarians, Dr. Sania urged them to support Ehsaas in registering Kiryana shops and deserving families provincewide. She comprehensively explained the registration and operational modalities of the Rashan programme. Dr. Sania also thanked the KP Government for their participation in the programme. Like other participating provinces, Ehsaas and KP are sharing the cost in the proportion of 35:65. Parliamentarians lauded the transparency measures hardwired in the programme and ensured full cooperation to create awareness on the execution of programme.
Sania delivers a Talk on Poverty Alleviation and Ehsaas hosted by NUST
Nov 26, 2021 – Islamabad: The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) hosted Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, to deliver a talk on “Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment through Ehsaas Programme” at the university’s main campus. Dr. Sania, who is also a distinguished member of NIPS Advisory Council, expounded the theory of change behind the Ehsaas programme that incorporate an all-encompassing approach towards capacity building of millions of underprivileged households. She elaborated that the Ehsaas programme is fully aligned with Prime Minister’s vision of a welfare state, adding 142,000 scholarships were awarded to students in two years across Pakistan. Earlier in his welcome remarks, Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Rector NUST and Patron NIPS, stated that Ehsaas is, by far, one of the most comprehensive poverty alleviation and social safety programmes, comprising multiple initiatives. Later, Dr. Sania interacted with awardees of Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship at NUST. Currently, 600 recipients of Ehsaas Scholarship are studying in NUST.
Sania creates awareness on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat Registration in Lahore
Nov 25, 2021 – Lahore: To create awareness on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat registration, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar visited Lahore. The visit was part of Ehsaas Rashan 30 City Tour. 25 cities have been covered, so far. Making an appeal to enroll more and more deserving families and Kiryana shopkeepers for Ehsaas Rashan, Dr. Sania sat with local media and Parliamentarians of Punjab in Lahore. She was also joined by Arif Usmani, President, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Syed Yawar Abbas Bukhari, Minister for Social Welfare and Bait ul Maal Punjab, senior officials of NBP and Ehsaas. Dr. Sania also called on Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar. The meeting discussed federal-provincial collaborations under Ehsaas Rashan Riayat. Later, Dr. Sania convened a press conference on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat at 90, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Special Initiatives, Hasaan Khawar; Minister for Social Welfare and Bait- ul-Maal Punjab, Syed Yawar Abbas Bukhari; and President NBP, Arif Usmani were also present. The visit concluded with the visit to a local Kiryana store in Shadman market to register it under the Ehsaas Rashan programme.
Sania visits Taramri Islamabad to speak to Kiryana retailers
Nov 24, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM together with President National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Arif Usmani visited a local Kiryana shop in Taramri, Islamabad. The visit aimed to raise awareness among the Kiryana shopkeepers to register their shops under Ehsaas Rashan Riayat. Dr. Sania also explained that the authorized Kiryana shopkeepers will deliver the subsidy to eligible families through mobile point of sale (mPOS) app. Later, she held a press conference on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat at NBP Regional Headquarters in Islamabad. At the press conference, she was joined by President NBP, print and electronic media and All Pakistan Traders’ Association. Press Conference can be watched here.
Sania releases an instructional video on 8171 Rashan Registration
Nov 22, 2021 – Islamabad: Easing out the registration process, Ehsaas has opened 8171 service for enrollment of families under Ehsaas Rashan Riayat. To educate masses about the registration process, Dr. Sania Nishtar has released an instructional video. “Families earning less than Rs. 50,000 a month can register themselves under the Rashan programme of Ehsaas. Only one member of an applicant family whose cell number is issued on his personal Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) can enroll his family either through 8171 SMS service or the web-portal. For registration through 8171, the same member of a family can SMS his/her CNIC number to 8171”, said Dr. Sania in a video. Kiryana shopkeepers can only register through the web-portal: https://ehsaasrashan.pass.gov.pk/. Based on insights from Dr. Sania’s field visits to 24 small cities, Ehsaas has opened the 8171 SMS service to facilitate the enrollment of deserving families with limited or no access to internet.
Third Leg of Ehsaas Rashan 30 City Tour; Sania covers 10 small cities
Nov 18, 2021 – Dera Ismail Khan: On the third leg of Ehsaas Rashan Tour to 30 cities, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM covered 10 small cities and towns around Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali and Dera Ismail Khan. Last weekend, she visited 14 small cities and towns along the G.T. Road from Jhelum to Peshawar. During the visit to Fateh Jhang, Talagang, Lawa, Moosa Khel, Purani Kiri, Mianwali, Kundiyan, Saidaliyan, Rangpur Adda and Dera Ismail Khan, Dr. Sania was joined by senior officials of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Ehsaas and district administrations. Speaking to retailers, trader associations, and public in each of the small cities and towns, Dr. Sania guided them that Kiryana owners from all over the country can register themselves exclusively via online Rashan portal: ehsaasrashan.pass.gov.pk that is open for registration till next two weeks. Dr. Sania also convened two press conferences on Ehsaas Rashan Riayat with the local press and electronic media in Mianwali and Dera Ismail Khan. In the press conference held at Dera Ismail Khan, she was also joined by Ali Amin Gandapur, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Alternate US Executive Director ADB visits Ehsaas
Nov 17, 2021 – Islamabad: Alternate US Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), John Hurley visited Ehsaas. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM and Secretary Ismat Tahira briefed him on over 288 social protection programmes, initiatives, and policy reforms under Ehsaas. Hurley appreciated Ehsaas for touching the lives of almost half the country’s population during COVID-19 crises. He also commended the governance and integrity reforms of Ehsaas to ensure transparent operations. Hurley also reassured the ADB’s commitment to support Government of Pakistan for further strengthening and upscaling of myriad Ehsaas’ operations nationwide. Earlier this week, Hurley went to Peshawar and Taxila to witness Ehsaas registration desks, Ehsaas Cash payments and others. He expressed satisfaction over the transparent enrollment and delivery mechanisms of Ehsaas. Along with Hurley, Country Director ADB Pakistan, Yong Yi, Asad Aleem, Principal Energy Specialist, Omer Bin Zia, Senior Economic Officer, ADP Pakistan. From Ehsaas’ side, DG Noor Rehman, DG Naveed Akbar, DG Tariq Mehmood and DG Meer Anwar were also present in the meeting.
Sania keynotes BOP Financial Inclusion Seminar at Dubai Expo 2020
Nov 16, 2021 – Dubai: Dr. Sania Nishtar keynoted a seminar on Financial Inclusion hosted by the Bank of Punjab at Dubai Expo 2020. In the flagship talk of the session, Dr. Sania enlightened the audience on government’s priorities to lift people out of poverty towards sustainable livelihoods through access to financial inclusion, literacy and economic empowerment. The session also highlighted the progress made on the rigorous mechanism of measuring social indicators by Ehsaas programme. Other panelists included Beenish Fatima Sahi, CEO, Punjab Social Protection Authority; Noman Ghani, Social Policy Head, UNICEF Pakistan; Sohail Saeed Abbasi, Senior Social Protection Specialist, the World Bank; Syed Muhammad Mustafa, Technical Advisor on Social Protection, GIZ; and Zahid Mustafa – Group Chief Consumer & Digital Banking Group, the Bank of Punjab.
Sania covers eight small cities on the second leg of Ehsaas Rashan tour to 30 cities
Nov 14, 2021 – Peshawar: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM along with Ehsaas and NBP teams, completed the second leg of the 30 cities tour that kicked off yesterday. On the way from Islamabad to Peshawar, Dr. Sania visited Wah, Hassan Abdal, Kamra, Jehangira, Akora Khattak, Nowshera City, Pabbi and Peshawar. She interacted with several retailers, local trader associations, district administrations, press and electronic media alongside the G.T. Road. Yesterday, she visited six small towns in Rawalpindi and Jhelum including Rawat, Mandra, Gujjar Khan, Sohawa, Dina and Jhelum. So far, 14 small cities and towns have been covered over this weekend. “These visits are part of the nationwide awareness drive of Ehsaas to educate people, Kiryana merchants and other local stakeholders about the recently launched Ehsaas Rashan Riayat programme”, said Dr. Sania. Interacting with retailers, Dr. Sania herself explained the registration process for the Ehsaas Rashan along with operational modalities of the Ehsaas Rashan’s mobile point of Sale app that will be used to deliver subsidy on selected commodities.
Sania kicks off tour of 30 cities to register retailers in Ehsaas Rashan Riayat
Nov 13, 2021 – Islamabad: Creating awareness among masses on Ehsaas Rashan programme, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM visited six small cities and towns along the G. T. Road. She went to Rawat, Mandra, Gujjar Khan, Sohawa, Dina and Jhelum. The visit aimed to guide Kiryana merchants in small areas about the Ehsaas Rashan enrollment process and the programme modalities. “This week, I shall visit 30 small cities to speak to Kiryana retailers and public. This is important to guide people on the ground about the new programme, encourage them to participate in the programme and factor in their voices in the delivery”, commented Dr. Sania. During the visit, Dr. Sania walked in the mini markets on the G. T. Road and met with the Kiryana merchants, local trader associations and public. She herself enrolled several Kiryana owners on the portal at various sites. Dr. Sania was accompanied by senior officials of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Ehsaas and district administrations of Rawalpindi and Jhelum. She also spoke to local trader associations and youth in the rural suburbs of Rawalpindi and Jhelum and made an appeal to them to help Kiryana merchants and low-income families in online registration.
Sania convenes meeting to combat fraud through cell phone SMS, website and apps using the name of Ehsaas
Nov 12, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM convened a meeting on cyber security and measures to combat fraud and disinformation through cell phone SMS’, websites and apps using the name of Ehsaas. The meeting brought together senior officials and representatives from Law Division, security agencies, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and cellular mobile operators on the table. Chairman PTA, Maj Gen (Rtd) Amir Azeem Bajwa along with senior officials of Ehsaas including Secretary Ismat Tahira and DG Technology Mir Anwar were also present in the meeting. Bringing rich perspectives to the table, participants discussed the issues of fake websites, fake SMS, fake Whatsapp messages, fake apps, collecting information and defrauding innocent people using the name of Ehsaas. “To ensure zero tolerance towards digital and cyber frauds, Ehsaas will work together with all stakeholders”, vowed Dr. Sania. She constituted a joint working group with senior officials and representatives from Ehsaas Technology team, PTA and Security Agencies.
Delegation of the WB visits One Window Ehsaas Center
Nov 12, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM along with the World Bank delegation visited ‘One Window Ehsaas Centre’ in Sitara Market, Islamabad. The delegation comprised of Stefano Paternostro, Practice Manager, Social Protection and Jobs, South Asia Region; Amjad Zafar, Task Team Leader; Lire Ersado, Program Lead for Human Development; and Gul Najam Jami, Senior Social Protection Specialist. From Ehsaas, DG Naveed Akbar and other senior officials were also present. The delegation was briefed on the ‘One Stop Shop’ operations of Ehsaas which integrate all benefits and services for different target groups in one space. They were also apprised that ‘One Window Centers’ will be expanded to all districts nationwide to enable delivery of the multiple Ehsaas programmes in one space. The delegation Ehsaas took stock of the wide ranging ‘One Window Ehsaas’ services and also met with beneficiaries being served.
Sania calls on Governor Balochistan in Islamabad
Nov 11, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM called on Governor Balochistan, Syed Zahoor Ahmed Agha in Islamabad. The meeting discussed Ehsaas Rashan Riayat programme that was launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Nov 3, 2021. Under Ehsaas Rashan Riayat, a targeted subsidy of Rs. 1,000 a month will be granted to each to each of the 20 million eligible families on the purchase of flour, pulses, cooking oil. In total, 20 million deserving families will be identified through the Ehsaas survey. In the current fiscal year, the budget of the programme for the next six months is Rs. 120 billion under the federal-provincial cost sharing arrangement. Provincial Governments of Punjab, KP, Gilgit Baltistan and AJK are already participating in the programme. The federal government and all participating federating units will share fiscal resources in the proportion of 35/65.
Sania releases an instructional video on Ehsaas Rashan
Nov 10, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania released an instructional video on the modalities of recently launched Ehsaas Rashan programme. The video guides deserving families and Kiryana merchants, step by step, about the programme execution, registration process, eligibility criteria Beneficiaries will be identified through the Ehsaas survey. Low-income families will register on the portal with their Computerized National Identity Card Number (CNIC) and a mobile number issued on that CNIC. Only one family member will be eligible for enrollment on the portal. Kiryana merchants can also register themselves on the Ehsaas Rashan portal. It is necessary for the Karyana merchants to have a valid bank account. Kiryana merchants without bank accounts can open their bank accounts in the nearest branches of National Bank of Pakistan. The authorized Kiryana merchants having bank accounts will download ‘mobile Point of Sale’ (mPOS) application in their cell phones to ascertain the eligibility of the eligible buyers, click on the icons of essential commodities, and pass on the subsidy. Full video can be watched here.
Sania and Faisal Sultan co-chair Ehsaas Tahafuz Policy meeting
Nov 9, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation and Dr. Faisal Sultan, SAPM on National Health Services co-chaired a meeting to review the Ehsaas Catastrophic Health Expenditure Policy which is on the anvil. The policy will dovetail Ehsaas Tahafuz programme with the Sehat Sahulat programme of the government. Barrister Nabeel Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services; Niaz Muhammad Khan, Senior Joint Secretary, Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD); Muhammad Arshad, CEO Sehat Sahulat programme; Rashid Shafiq, Director General, Ehsaas Tahafuz programme; and other senior officials of Ehsaas also joined the meeting. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Under Ehsaas Tahafuz, the patients facing catastrophic health expenditures will be identified, who will then be assessed by the digital system, and if eligible, will be granted funding. In this fiscal year, Ehsaas Tahafuz is being upscaled across 14 public sector hospitals of the country. Currently, Ehsaas Tahafuz is fully operational in one hospital of Rawalpindi.
Sania addresses a press conference on Ehsaas Rashan
Nov 4, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM addressed a press conference to give details of the Ehsaas Ration programme announced by Prime Minister on Nov 3, 2021. She said that registration of poor families whose monthly income was less than Rs. 31,000 would begin from Nov 8, 2021. A web portal would be opened for this purpose. Eligible families will be able to buy flour, cooking oil/ghee and pulses at subsidized rates from Kiryana and Utility stores. Small retail stores opened even in streets and localities will also provide this facility. Further, Dr. Sania added that the Ehsaas National Socioeconomic Registry survey has recently been completed. The survey will be used to identify deserving families for this new pro-poor programme. It will take four weeks to complete the process of registration. The beneficiaries will need a mobile phone number registered on their Computerised National Identity Card which will be produced before the specific stores from which purchases on subsidized rates will be sought. A subsidy of Rs. 1,000 per month will be given to each of the eligible 20 million families. Full footage can be accessed here.
PM announces Rs. 120 billion Ehsaas Rashan
Nov 3, 2021 – Islamabad: In view of the recent price hike, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the Ehsaas Rashan programme to provide relief to the poor in his televised speech. As many as 20 million families identified through the recently completed Ehsaas survey will benefit from the programme. Overall, 130 million people will benefit nationwide which is 53% of the population. Yesterday, the federal cabinet gave approval to launch the programme across Pakistan. Although the domestic increases are being driven by rising prices in the international market, inflationary control remains an important policy objective for the government. Ehsaas Rashan will provide a subsidy of Rs. 1,000 a month to each of the 20 million families on the purchase of flour, pulses, Ghee/Cooking oil. A 30% subsidy will be given on these three items, per unit purchase. The programme has been designed as a precision-target system of subsidy delivery focusing on deserving beneficiaries to provide financial assistance for the purchase of essential commodities at a discount through digitally processed transactions. “Ehsaas and the National Bank of Pakistan have developed a technology-led, targeted subsidy disbursal programme. This system will digitize parts of the retail sector; there will be use of real time data for decision making”, said Dr. Sania Nishtar. Under the federal-provincial cost sharing arrangement, the budget of the programme for the next six months is Rs. 120 billion in this fiscal year.
Post-earthquake payments of Ehsaas relief cash commence to all families of Harnai
Nov 1, 2021 – Harnai: Ehsaas relief cash disbursements have begun to all families of earthquake hit Harnai, as an immediate relief. After the Prime Minister’s approval on Oct 9, 2021, the federal government had announced a relief package for all families of Harnai. Dr. Sania Nishtar said, “The Rs. 12,000 Ehsaas cash will be disbursed to each household of Harnai. Around 18,000 households in Harnai will benefit from relief cash.” She also thanked the provincial government of Balochistan, armed forces, Ehsaas’ regional team and other stakeholders for their collaborative support in ensuring smooth delivery of Ehsaas relief cash. Disbursements have begun simultaneously across all three Tehsils; Sharag, Harnai and Khost. Districtwide, seven Ehsaas payment campsites have been set up at Civil Hospital Sharag, Municipal Committee office, Civil Hospital, RHC Hospital Sharag, PMDC Rest House Sharag, Livestock Office Harnai and Civil Hospital Khost.
PM approves plan to upgrade model Panagahs into centres of excellence
Nov 1, 2021 – Islamabad: Chairing a high-level meeting, Prime Minister approved the proposal of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD) for the upgradation of model Panagahs into centres of excellence. Dr. Sania Nishtar briefed him on the upgradation plan. Special arrangements are being made under Ehsaas to improve living standards of model Panagahs, especially in the winter season. PM also reviewed the progress on the contours of the forthcoming “Ehsaas Targeted Commodity Subsidies” for the poor. The meeting was also attended by Advisor Finance Shaukat Tarin, Secretary PASSD Muhammad Ali Shahzada, MD Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, and PM’s Focal Person on Panagahs Naseem-ur- Rehman.
Sania pays a surprise visit to Ehsaas Langar in Peshawar
Oct 30, 2021 – Peshawar: Dr. Sania Nishtar paid a surprise visit to Ehsaas Langar at Old Haji Camp bus terminal. During the visit, she spoke to labourers being served food and enquired about the quality of service. She also listened to concerns of labourers and assured them full cooperation. People appreciated the ethos of Ehsaas Langar, food quality, and the degree of respect with which they are served food. Ehsaas Langar in Peshawar serves cooked food twice daily to around 1,200 people. To-date, 34 Ehsaas Langars have been established all over the country.
Steering committee of Ehsaas targeted subsidies approves programme design
Oct 29, 2021 – Islamabad: The steering committee of Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies met to approve the programme design. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the meeting. This was the second meeting of the steering committee since its constitution by the Prime Minister in July 2021. “Coming under the Ehsaas umbrella, the national scale targeted subsidies programme will identify beneficiaries through the Ehsaas national socioeconomic survey registry 2021. All the necessary spadework, digital structuring and integrations are complete for the roll out of the programme”, said Dr. Sania. “The number of people to be supported and the exact details of the amount of subsidy will be announced by the PM next week”, she further added. The members of the committee thoroughly reviewed the design contours and roll out preparations for the upcoming programme.
PM reviews preps for Ehsaas targeted subsidies program
Oct 27, 2021 – Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies program. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed Prime Minister on the overall progress. Ehsaas eligible families will get subsidy on grocery store purchases through this program. To roll out the program, a mobile point-of-sale system has been built in collaboration with the National Bank of Pakistan. The program will save the poor from the effects of inflation. PM directed to ensure early its completion and create awareness among the people so that maximum people can benefit from the targeted subsidies. Finance Minister, Shaukat Tarin also joined the meeting.
Sania makes a surprise visit to Ehsaas Registration Desks in Lahore
Oct 23, 2021- Lahore: Early morning, Dr. Sania Nishtar made a surprise visit to Ehsaas Registration Desks in Lahore. She reviewed operations of registration desks at Government Boys School, Walton Road. At the center, Dr. Sania stood with the applicant women in the queue, took round of the facility and interacted with women and staff to enquire about the registration process and arrangements. She also instructed the concerned officials to facilitate the women in registration process so that they do not have to wait for long time. Speaking to media, Dr. Sania stated, “With the recent completion of Ehsaas national survey registry, 512 Ehsaas Registration Desks are operational at Tehsil level all over the country. The purpose is that households whose survey has not been conducted for any reason can self-register themselves in the Ehsaas programme.”
PM briefed on preps for Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies programme
Oct 20, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies programme. PM was given a detailed briefing on the preparations for the upcoming programme. The Ehsaas targeted subsidies programme is on the anvil to save the underprivileged from inflation. The meeting was told that a mobile point-of-sale system has been developed for the programme in collaboration with Ehsaas and the National Bank of Pakistan. Ehsaas eligible families will receive discounts on grocery store purchases on specific items through this programme. PM directed to finalize the targeted subsidy programme soon. The briefing was attended by Finance Minister, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Finance Minister Punjab, Finance Minister KP, President National Bank, chief secretaries of Punjab and KP and other senior officials. Finance Minister also attended the meeting via video link.
Sania keynotes China’s high-level global rural development forum
Oct 19, 2021: Dr. Sania Nishtar keynoted the 2021 Global Rural Development Forum held in China under the theme of “Global Sustainable Development Cooperation: Poverty Reduction and Rural Development”. The forum was co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the National Rural Revitalization Administration and organized by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China. The forum fully demonstrated and shared China’s great achievements and experience in poverty alleviation. The event brought together Minister of Rural Development of Cambodia; Union Minister of Cooperative and Rural Development of Myanmar; Secretary-General of National Anti-poverty Commission of the Philippines; Vice Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos; Undersecretary of Productive Inclusion and Rural Development, Ministry of Welfare of Mexico; and Minister of Social Integration and Social Security of Mauritius. Dr. Sania congratulated the Government of China, its people, and the Communist Party of China for achieving the MDG of poverty eradication, well ahead of time. “Poverty alleviation, particularly social protection is the priority of our government. We realize that in Pakistan’s agri-based economy, tackling agriculture is fundamental to poverty reduction since the sector employs 45% of labour force. Ehsaas has 19 social protection programmes for 14 vulnerable groups, and it is closely linked to agriculture and rural economy.”, said Dr. Sania.
Sania launches One Window Ehsaas’ National Data Exchange Platform on the World Poverty Day
Oct 17, 2021 – Islamabad: On the World Poverty Day, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM launched ‘National Data Exchange Platform’ (NDEP) for the Ehsaas’ National Socioeconomic Registry 2021 which is one of the six main pillars of One Window Ehsaas. With the Ehsaas National Socioeconomic Registry 2021 survey that stands almost complete, NDEP will facilitate data sharing and data access services for all executing agencies stewarded by Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division. Speaking to press media about the launch of NDEP, Dr. Sania said, “Ehsaas NDEP will be a gamechanger in transforming social protection and poverty reduction programs in the country. Through Ehsaas NDEP, the executing agencies in ecosystem of Ehsaas will be able to see what benefits an individual or a household is getting by simply punching in the CNIC number of an individual.” She also congratulated the teams working on the national socioeconomic survey and technology.
Sania releases a video on the World Poverty Day and Ehsaas
Oct 17, 2021 – Islamabad: On the World Poverty Day, Dr. Sania Nishtar released a video on the social protection and poverty reduction initiatives of Ehsaas. The video illustrates how Ehsaas is transforming the lives of the poorest populations through its over 290 programmes, initiatives and policy actions: Ehsaas Kafaalat, Ehsaas Emergency Cash, Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships, Ehsaas Interest Free Loans, Ehsaas Amdan, Ehsaas Education Stipends and Ehsaas Rehri Baan etc. “To-date, Ehsaas has touched the lives of almost half the country’s population. This year, Ehsaas cash is being delivered to 12 million families”, said Dr. Sania. According to the video message, preparations are also underway to upscale Ehsaas Tahafuz, Ehsaas Nashonuma and One Window Ehsaas operations across all districts of the country in the current fiscal year. Full video message can be watched here.
Sania releases official statement on International Day of Rural Women
Oct 15, 2021 – Islamabad: On ‘International day of rural women’, Dr. Sania Nishtar released an official statement. Paying tribute to rural women of Pakistan, she stated, “Rural women play an important role in reducing rural poverty. More than three-quarters of the entire Ehsaas’ benefits go to most of rural women and girls under the ‘Ehsaas 50%+ benefits policy’. ‘Mazdoor Ka Ehsaas Report’ released on May 1, 2021 also strongly recognizes the work of rural women and home-based workers all over the country.” She further added, “National Poverty Graduation Initiative of Ehsaas aims to graduate poorest households particularly rural women out of poverty and set them on a course of economic and social prosperity. Out of 1.4 million Ehsaas interest free loans disbursed so far, 46% went to rural women across 110 districts. Enabling 1.4 million individuals to come out of shackles of poverty, 60% of small livelihood assets have been allocated for rural women under the 4-year Ehsaas Amdan programme. This programme is operational in in 388 rural union councils of 23 poorest districts across the four provinces. Ehsaas Amdan assets include livestock, agricultural inputs, body of auto rickshaws, agriculture tools, and inputs for small retail enterprises.”
Sania and Chief Secretary KP visit One Window Ehsaas Center in Islamabad
Oct 14, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar briefed Chief Secretary KP, Dr. Kazim Niaz herself about the One Window operations of Ehsaas at “One Window Ehsaas Center” in Sitara Market of Islamabad. The visit was part of collaborations underway between Ehsaas and the government of KP to establish One Window Ehsaas Centers across all districts of KP. Chief Secretary KP was briefed on the One Stop Shop operations of Ehsaas which integrate all benefits and services for 14 different target groups in one space. “To assist Ehsaas beneficiaries, One Window Ehsaas operations are being upscaled across all districts of KP”, said Dr. Sania. “The integration of all Ehsaas benefits and services under one roof is commendable. KP Government will extend full support to Ehsaas for establishing One Window Ehsaas Centers in all districts of the province”, assured Dr. Kazim Niaz. CS was also given a round of the different offices, outlets, and desks at the Ehsaas Center whereby he witnessed all one window operations and met with Ehsaas team and beneficiaries.
Ehsaas Education Stipends empowering the poor to send their girls to schools: Sania
Oct 13, 2021 – Islamabad: Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), Centre for Education and Consciousness, launched The Girls Education & Enterprise Alliance (GEEA) to empower girls and young women in Pakistan with the support of national and global champions of Girls’ Education. Dr. Sania Nishtar was a chief guest on the occasion. The purpose of this gathering was to bring together parliamentarians, government, development partners, education experts and civil society advocates on one platform to pledge for SMART programs for out-of-school girls. Keynoting the event, Dr. Sania remarked, “Our government is fully conscious that an educated girl can contribute more effectively to society. Ehsaas’ conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes providing cash stipends for education and nutrition are purposely skewed in favour of girls to safeguard gender equity”. Besides, Aida Girma, Country Representative, UNICEF; Javed Ahmed Malik, Programme Director, Malala Fund; Mosharraf Zaidi, CEO, Tabadlab; Amna Khalid, FCDO; Alima Bibi, UNESCO; Nazia Sehar, JICA; Fahad Hussain, Dawn News; Waseem Ajmal, Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training; Shabnam Sarfaraz, Ministry of Planning & Development; and Syed Shahnawaz, Country Director Oxfam were also present at the launch.
Under Ehsaas policy, BISP board approves “Bell Curve Concept” for employee performance management
Oct 12, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the 53rd meeting of the BISP board. The board approved ‘Bell Curve Concept’ for the performance management of employees. The board also approved the national scaleup of Ehsaas Nashonuma and new organogram of BISP to improve organization’s effectiveness. The existing Performance Management System (PMS) at BISP is similar to the methodology used by Government of Pakistan (the ACR/PER system). “Since the current PMS is not compatible with the modern PMS being used by progressive organizations, the board has approved new PMS Principles based on ‘Bell Curve Concept’, essential to leverage optimum performance from employees. The newly approved concept will be implemented by July 2022”, said Dr. Sania. The new PMS will access the relative performance of employee based on goal setting sheets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) developed for benchmark positions.
Health, Ehsaas, Kissan cards among foremost priorities: PM
Oct 12, 2021 – Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting to review the progress regarding Health, Ehsaas and Kissan cards. Besides Special Assistants to the PM, Dr. Sania Nishtar, Dr. Faisal Sultan, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and other relevant officers, the meeting was attended via video link by the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of Punjab and KP. Prime Minister said that Health, Ehsaas and Kissan cards are among the foremost priorities of the government. He directed for early execution of Health, Ehsaas and Kissan initiatives of the government. He further added that these initiatives would provide a big relief to the marginalized segments.
Sania visits border areas in South BalochistanSania celebrates Int’l Day of the Girl Child with young girls enrolled under Ehsaas Education Stipends
Oct 11, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar celebrated “International Day of the Girl Child” with young girls enrolled in Ehsaas Education Stipends. She also interacted with their mothers and took feedback on the education CCT programme. On the occasion, Dr. Sania also released an official statement. “I congratulate all women and girls in Pakistan and those around the world on, “International Day of the Girl Child” that is being commemorated under the theme, “Digital generation”. Development is simply not possible without women. This principle sits at the core of Ehsaas. We, therefore, have Ehsaas 50%+ benefits for women and girls’ policy. Any policy and programme under this framework must accrue at least half of the benefits to women; as a result, more than three quarters of Ehsaas’ entire program’s benefits are dedicated to women and girls. According to Ehsaas’ weighted-in-favour-of-girls stipends policy for all conditional cash transfer programmes, girls also get a higher stipend across all age groups”, said Dr. Sania.
Sania visits border areas in South Balochistan
October 10, 2021 – Kech: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM visited border areas in South Balochistan. Together with the Senior officers of Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, she visited sub-Tehsil Balnigore and Tehil Tump of district Kech. The purpose of the visit was to create awareness on the programmes and initiatives of Ehsaas and get feedback of local communities and Ehsaas beneficiaries. She also visited various sites in the region to explore options for opening One Window Ehsaas Centers in Turbat and Mand. “In this fiscal year, One Window Ehsaas Centers will open in all districts of Balochistan. It is our top priority to open the one-stop-shop, One Window Ehsaas Centers in lagging districts of South Balochistan to facilitate beneficiaries at the earliest”, said Dr. Sania while speaking to press media. During the visit, she also interacted with local communities and took feedback on the Ehsaas’ running programmes in the area. The visit was organized by Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps across South Balochistan. The visit to South Balochistan followed the visit to Harnai. During her visit to Balochistan, Dr. Sania also met with Commander 12 Corps and IG Frontier Corps, South Balochistan.
Sania visits earthquake hit Harnai; PM announces Ehsaas relief cash package for all the families in Harnai
Oct 9, 2021 – Harnai: On PM’s special directives, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM visited earthquake hit areas of Harnai today to assess the level of assistance needed from the federal government. Following the visit, she announced the federal government’s relief cash package for all families of Harnai, after the Prime Minister’s approval. “Social protection is critical to earthquake induced recovery. Federal government will give Rs. 12,000 cash subsistence to all families of Harnai as an immediate relief. Relief cash assistance will be mobilized under the Ehsaas programme. This relief assistance will be in addition to compensation being planned for affected households after detailed damage assessment”, said Dr. Sania while expressing solidarity with affectees. In Harnai, Dr. Sania was joined by Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Qasim Khan Suri, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Mathar Niaz Rana, Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Commissioner Sibbi Division, Deputy Commissioner Harnai and senior officers of Ehsaas and Pakistan Army. She also reviewed arrangements being made to open Ehsaas Registration Desks at the Irrigation Department of Harnai. Earlier, Dr. Sania also visited District Hospital Harnai and met with those injured during the earthquake.
Sania reviews measures to open One Window Ehsaas Centers in Balochistan
Oct 8, 2021 – Quetta: Dr. Sania Nishtar convened a meeting with Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners from all districts of Balochistan. The meeting reviewed measures being taken to open One Window Ehsaas Centers in Balochistan. Chief Secretary Balochistan, Mathar Niaz Rana hosted the meeting at Civil Secretariat Quetta. Provincial team of Ehsaas also joined the meeting. Creating awareness about Ehsaas programmes, Dr. Sania also guided the DCs about the Ehsaas Digital portal that provides people centered instructional information of Ehsaas in Urdu. She also briefed about the Ehsaas 8171 web-portal that is accessible online for public to check their eligibility under Ehsaas. The district administrations of Balochistan ensured full cooperation for the opening of one window Ehsaas Centers in all the districts of the province.
UN terms Ehsaas as international best practice
Oct 8, 2021 – Islamabad: In the recently released edition of UN Principles for Responsible Digital Payments 2021, Pakistan’s Ehsaas programme has been featured as an international best practice. According to UN’s report, Ehsaas simplified the know-your-customer procedure for users by collecting simple data fields and issuing accounts after basic verification. Incentivized 500,000 branchless banking agents to work with the program by reducing taxes on commission earned from beneficiaries, thereby increasing doorstep banking services to elderly, persons with disability, and women. Taking to twitter, Dr. Sania Nishtar said, “Glad to see Pakistan’s Ehsaas continue to be lauded as international best practice by the UN as it looks to accelerate Responsible Digital Payments to advance developmental progress.” The UN Principles for Responsible Digital Payments advocate for responsible practices in the digitization of payments. These principles have been developed by the United Nations-based Better Than Cash Alliance, guided by its member governments, companies and international organizations. Report can be accessed here.
PM briefed on preparations of Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies
Oct 6, 2021 – Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefed about the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Ehsaas Targeted Commodity Subsidy programme. Dr. Sania Nishtar briefed the PM on the ‘Subsidy Point of Sale’ system for the Ehsaas Targeted Subsidy programme that has been developed in collaboration with National Bank of Pakistan. Prime Minister lauded the digital ecosystem being developed for Ehsaas targeted subsidy programme. He also lauded the special transparency measures being taken to ensure transfer of targeted subsidies solely to the deserving. PM directed to fast-track deployment of the ‘Subsidy Point of Sale’ system so that economic relief could be provided to the poor through targeted subsidies on essential food commodities. Under Ehsaas, commodity subsidies will be administered through Ehsaas database by a network of Kiryana stores. These targeted subsidies will be given on selected essential commodities. Finance Minister, Shaukat Tarin; Defence Minister, Pervaiz Khattak; Information Minister, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain; SAPM Dr. Shahbaz Gill; Governor State Bank, Dr. Reza Baqir; President National Bank, Arif Usmani; Secretary Muhammad Ali Shahzada; Secretary Ismat Tahira; Chief Digital Officer NBP, Humayun Sajjad; and other senior officials also joined the meeting.
Independent evaluation recommends national scaleup of Ehsaas Nashonuma
October 6, 2021 – Islamabad: Today, the Ehsaas Nashonuma steering committee reviewed results of an independent evaluation conducted by the Aga Khan University. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the meeting. The purpose of the research conducted was to understand how Ehsaas Nashonuma had influenced the health and wellbeing of beneficiaries along with the enabling and impeding factors related to the uptake of Ehsaas Nashonuma, the process, outcomes, and the flow of operations. Results were highly encouraging; the findings were supportive of the program focus on marginalized women, their financial empowerment and improved dietary knowledge. 99.37% of beneficiary women reported satisfaction from Nashonuma services provided to them during their pregnancy as well as those extended to children for their growth and wellbeing. Speaking to the press, Dr. Sania said, “The program will be upscaled nationwide to all districts in this fiscal year.” The steering committee was attended by provincial representatives and members of the international development community. Ehsaas Nashonuma will also be integrated with all One Window Ehsaas Centers.
Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship portal reopens
Sep 30, 2021 – Islamabad: To receive fresh applications for the academic year 2021-22, the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship portal has been reopened. The scholarship portal will be opened online till Nov 30, 2021. Newly admitted students of Fall 2021 session under 4-5 year undergraduate degree programmes in any of the HEC recognized 135 public sector universities are eligible to apply, if their family income is less than Rs. 45,000 a month. This academic year, 50,000 merit cum need based scholarships will be provided to deserving students. Fifty percent Ehsaas scholarships are reserved for girls. “This 4-year programme is on track. In the last two years, over 142,000 scholarships have been awarded nationwide to students from low-income backgrounds”, said Dr. Sania. The eligible students can apply through the online portal: https://ehsaas.hec.gov.pk/.
Sania joins Ehsaas Rehribaan Partner Awards hosted by MCI
Sep 28, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar was the chief guest at the award ceremony organized by Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). The ceremony aimed to honour the contributions and services incurred by various partners and individuals under Ehsaas Rehribaan program. “For the first time in Pakistan, our government has adopted a holistic approach for the sustainable regularization of street vendors”, said Dr. Sania. She also mentioned that Prime Minister remains highly concerned about vendors’ condition and is a driving force behind Ehsaas Rehribaan. Under the Ehsaas umbrella, a broader coalition of agencies- MCI, CDA, ICT Administration and PIDE, has resulted in smooth implementation across two sectors of Islamabad, which is gradually being scaled up. Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haque, Vice Chancellor, PIDE also spoke on the occasion. Presidents of U and Apna Banks also joined the event. Later, Dr. Sania distributed performance shields among high performers including Focal Person of Ehsaas Rehribaan, Administrator MCI, different officials, microfinance banks and representatives of the civil society.
Sania speaks at McKinsey Middle East Women Speaker session
Sep 22, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM was invited to speak at Women Speaker session hosted by McKinsey Middle East Office. This was a quarterly session that McKinsey conducts with inspirational female professionals. In the session, Dr. Sania shared her experiences and learnings from Ehsaas. She spoke about the current work on social protection and poverty alleviation in Pakistan and her leadership experiences in the workplace as a woman. The conversation was followed by a question and answer session with participants.
Sania joins Presidents of Botswana and Costa Rica at UNGA side event on Poverty
Sep 24, 2021 – New York: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM was invited to speak at the high-level side event to the 2021 UN General Assembly, organized by OPHI and the Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN). The theme of this year’s event was “Envisioning a More Equitable Future: Using Multidimensional Poverty Indices as a Policy Tool”. The event convened global leaders with a demonstrated commitment to tackling the multidimensional effects of the pandemic on the lives of people living in poverty. At the session, the leadership panel comprised of Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana and Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of Costa Rica. Alongside Dr. Sania, Ministers from Nepal, Namibia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Cambodia, Thailand and China also joined the ministerial panel. Talking about the Ehsaas Implementation Tracking Index (EITI), Dr. Sania stated, “Working with OPHI, Ehsaas has developed a new adaptation and application of their measurement methodology – the EITI. It offers an axiomatically articulate performance management tool, which tracks progress across hundreds of initiatives and gives an overview of how different regions, institutions, and target areas are advancing.”
Ehsaas and Serena Hotels ink MoU to improve quality in Islamabad Panagahs
Sep 23, 2021 – Islamabad: The Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division and Serena Hotels Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a strategic collaboration on improving living standards, infrastructure and service quality across all the five Panagahs in Islamabad. Dr. Sania Nishtar and Aziz Boolani, CEO Serena Hotels South and Central Asia witnessed the signing of MoU. The MoU followed briefing with the Prime Minister on the new strategic plan for Panagahs. The highlight of the MoU was to mark the partnership between Ehsaas and Serena, extending to all the five Ehsaas Panagahs situated at G-9/4, Tarlai, Bhara Kahu, Mandi More and Tarnol areas of Islamabad. Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. Sania said, “Prime Minister has instructed to offer best lodging and quality food to our Panagah guests in a clean and dignified environment. To achieve this in an objective and sustainable manner, PASSD and Serena have agreed to collaborate under the MoU.”
Sania chairs the 52nd meeting of BISP Board
Sep 23, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the 52nd meeting of the BISP Board. The Board deliberated upon various important agenda items related to the Ehsaas cash transfer programmes being executed by BISP. Many important decisions were taken by members of the Board. The meeting was attended by Ismat Tahira Secretary BISP, Muhammad Ali Shahzada Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, and senior officials of Finance Division, Economic Affairs Division and NADRA. Amongst private sector members, Zaffar A Khan, Syed Salim Raza, and Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan attended the meeting. Members participated in the meeting both physically as well as virtually.
PM briefed on the existing state of Panagahs
Sep 22, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar met Prime Minister Imran Khan to brief him on the existing state of Panagahs and about the comprehensive plan prepared under Ehsaas for their improvement. Dr. Nishtar informed the PM that a comprehensive project has been prepared and is ready for implementation in three phases to bring about improvement in the existing Panagahs. Prime Minister was further informed that a four-member Board would also be constituted to look after the administrative affairs of each Panagah and a digital dashboard would be developed to facilitate the monitoring of Panagahs. Talking to Dr. Sania, PM said special emphasis should be given to the Panagahs where the people throng the most. PM also directed to ensure early establishment of Panagahs to provide better facilities to labourers. Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division and Chairman CDA were also present in the meeting.
Ehsaas Undergrad Scholarship portal to reopen on Sep 30; Sania mandates further transparency measures
Sep 22, 2021 – Islamabad: The steering committee of Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship programme, during its ninth meeting decided to reopen the Ehsaas’ scholarship application portal on September 30, 2021. To receive new applications for the academic year 2021-22, the online portal will remain open for next two months. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM and Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director, Higher Education Commission (HEC) co-chaired the meeting. Dr. Sania stressed on the need for timely payments to students so that they do not have to take loans. “This is not a reimbursement model. Students have to be paid on time, to facilitate them”, she said. She also instructed HEC to strictly reprimand universities who do not pay students on time and those who deduct money from the Ehsaas scholarship stipend amount on account of other expenses. Dr. Sania also instructed staff to make a visibility dashboard and stressed on the need for each participating university to be transparent about when they receive money from Ehsaas, vis-à-vis, the cheque numbers and dates on which students have been given stipends.
Sania joins WB panel discussion in Washington on Harnessing Technology to Build Human Capital in South Asia
September 17, 2021 – Washington, DC: While in Washington Dr. Sania Nishtar joined the World Bank’s 7th One South Conversation on leveraging technologies to build human capital and greater resilience in South Asia. The World Bank’s Regional Integration, Cooperation and Engagement in South Asia hosted the public event that was broadcast on the World Bank Group Live Page. Dr. Sania was asked to share lessons for the region from COVID-19 Ehsaas Emergency Cash (EEC). The panel included senior policy makers and representatives from governments, tech entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society representatives from South Asia. The public event was moderated by Cecile Fruman, Director, Regional Integration and Engagement, South Asia. The discussions explored the ways converging technologies can overcome regional barriers, promote cross-country collaboration to support recovery from COVID and other shocks, and build human capital and adaptable resilience in South Asia. Full footage can be watched here.
Governor Sindh opens 6th Ehsaas Panagah in Karachi
Sep 6, 2021 – Islamabad: Governor Sindh Imran Ismail inaugurated the sixth Ehsaas Panagah (shelter home) in Karachi to accommodate labourers under Ehsaas. He opened the latest Panagah in the Bakra Peri area of Lyari. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the network of Ehsaas Panagahs was being expanded in the country to provide free of charge lodging facilities and meals to daily wage-earners, labourers and other destitute people.
Dr. Sania calls on PM, briefs on Ehsaas programme
Sep 13, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. She briefed the PM on the forthcoming digital monitoring of Ehsaas Panagahs. To-date, 22 Panagahs have been opened nationwide, under the Ehsaas umbrella. She also apprised the PM on the progress of other Ehsaas programmes and initiatives.
International Development Partners visit One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market
Sep 13, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM together with a delegation of international development partners visited One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market. The official delegation comprised of H.E. Christian Turner, British High Commissioner; Najy Benhassine, Country Director the World Bank; Chris Kaye, Country Director, WFP; Annabel Gerry, Development Director, FCDO; Knut Ostby, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan; Tobias Becker, Country Director GIZ; Stephen Langrell, Team Leader Rural Development and Economic Cooperation, EU Delegation to Pakistan; and Luis Gorjon, Chief Social Policy, UNICEF. The delegation was briefed on the One Stop Shop operations of Ehsaas which integrate all benefits and services for 14 different target groups in one space. The delegation widely lauded the One Window Ehsaas Operations and appreciated that for the first time in the country, comprehensive single window operations had been formulated to facilitate a common man.
Sania chairs Ehsaas field conference; 300 officers join online nationwide
September 9, 2021 – Islamabad: Ehsaas field conference was held with all field teams of Ehsaas. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the conference. The conference took stock of frequently asked questions about programmes of Ehsaas and how beneficiaries are benefitting in the field. Secretary Ismat Tahira, DG Noor Rehman, DG Naveed Akbar, Regional DGs from provinces, AJK and GB along with Tehsil level field teams joined the conference. 300 officers also joined online nationwide. The primary objective of conducting this conference was to share the field learnings, experiences and findings in connection with the nationwide accomplishment of door-to-door Ehsaas Survey, opening of 413 Ehsaas registration desks and Ehsaas 8171 web-portal, drive to enroll children under Ehsaas Education Stipends. Opening the conference, Dr. Sania stressed the need for shared learning and cross exposure among field teams to well-facilitate Ehsaas beneficiaries. “Ehsaas is an evidence-based programme. Field teams should learn from each other’s experiences so that issues being faced by beneficiaries can be solved firsthand”, said Dr. Sania.
Dr. Sania Keynotes at the CARE & MasterCard Ignite Financial Inclusion Project Launch
September 8 , 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar was invited to keynote at the CARE & MasterCard Ignite Financial Inclusion Project Launch. CARE’s Ignite project in Pakistan funded by MasterCard unleashes the power of growth-oriented entrepreneurs, contributing to a resilient and inclusive economy. It also supports the Government’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy for enhanced formal financial access. The event was held to promote the growth of entrepreneurs in the country especially women among key stakeholders. In her speech, Dr. Sania remarked, “Enhancing financial inclusion is a key priority for the government, we are providing relief to under-privileged segments of society especially women through social safety nets and working on better financial empowerment opportunities.” She also added, “Ehsaas supported 15 million families (100 million people) during COVID-19 which is nearly half of the country’s population. Ehsaas Emergency Cash was the third largest program globally and rated as the fastest in the world by the World Bank.” Other speakers at the event were–Adil Sheraz (Country Director CARE International Pakistan), Atyab Tahir (Country Head, MasterCard), Kabeer (CEO IGNITE), Ambreen, (Chief of Retail Sales and Digitization IGNITE), Anusheh (Head of Research & Strategy IGNITE) and Shahnaz Kapadia (CEO Mera Maan).
Sania holds a workshop with Panagah staff to improve living standards
Sep 8, 2021 - Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM convened a stocktake workshop with Ehsaas Panagah teams in Islamabad. Secretary of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD), Muhammad Ali Shahzada, Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Additional Secretary PASSD, Captain (Retd) Saeed Ahmad Nawaz were also present. “Prime Minister has given strict instructions that people visiting Panagahs should be served with dignity and there should be no compromise on quality of service, maintenance, hygiene and cleanliness and food quantity as well as quality”, emphasized Dr. Sania. “We are fully committed to improving standards and will soon introduce digital monitoring of Ehsaas Panagahs”, she further added. To ensure that people are served with utmost dignity and self-respect, Ehsaas is providing refresher training to the staff of Panagahs. The administrative, operational and monitoring staff of all five Ehsaas Panagahs including Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors and Shift Supervisors joined the workshop. During the workshop a stocktake was done of the factors which impact quality, gaps were assessed, and a strategy was developed to improve standards.
Sania and CS Balochistan visit One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market
Sep 7, 2021 – Islamabad: Chief Secretary Balochistan, Mather Niaz Rana visited One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market Islamabad. On the occasion, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar SAPM was also present together with Secretary Ismat Tahira. Chief Secretary Balochistan was briefed about the first One Stop Shop of Ehsaas, ‘One Window Center’, which ensures access to all the facilities and services of Ehsaas under one roof. “One Window Ehsaas is being upscaled nationwide to serve Ehsaas beneficiaries. The miniaturised versions of One Stop Shop Ehsaas Centers will be opened in all districts of the country including Balochistan”, said Dr. Sania. CS Balochistan richly lauded the consolidation of all Ehsaas benefits and services at the Ehsaas One Window Center. Ehsaas sought a collaboration of the CS for expansion of One Window Ehsaas Operations in the province. The CS assured full support and facilitation from Balochistan to open One Window Ehsaas Centers in all districts of the province.
Sania announces opening of Ehsaas 8171 web-portal in Battagram
Sep 3, 2021 – Battagram: While in Battagram district of KP, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM held a press conference with local print and electronic media at the DC Office. She officially announced the opening of Ehsaas 8171 web-portal: https://ehsaastracking.pass.gov.pk/. The Ehsaas survey in the country is 99.5% complete and enrolment of new Ehsaas beneficiaries based on the survey has commenced. For this reason, Ehsaas has launched the web-portal so that people can check their status and collect cash, if eligible. Dr. Sania also visited a payment campsite in Chappalgram area of Battagram to witness Ehsaas cash disbursements being made to eligible Ehsaas beneficiaries. She met with beneficiaries who were withdrawing Ehsaas cash and spoke to them about the newly launched Ehsaas 8171 web-portal. At the Ehsaas Tehsil office in Police Lines area of Battagram, she also reviewed the enrolment of children hailing from Ehsaas eligible families for Ehsaas Education Stipends. Full press conference can be watched here.
Sania releases an instructional video on the recently launched Ehsaas 8171 web-portal
Sep 3, 2021: Creating awareness about the recently launched Ehsaas 8171 web-portal, Dr. Sania Nishtar has released an instructional video. In the interest of transparency, the final eligibility results of Ehsaas survey have been announced on the portal after determining eligibility through data analytics and rule-based procedures. Households who have been registered through survey can now easily check their eligibility status under Ehsaas Kafaalat and Ehsaas Emergency Cash-II by entering their survey token or Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number on the portal. If eligible, they can collect their cash from the nearest Ehsaas payment centres. Households are rejected or included in the Ehsaas cash transfers based on the information collected in the survey. Instructional video can be watched here.
PM launches nationwide Ehsaas Education Stipends
Sep 1, 2021 – Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan formally opened the Ehsaas Education Stipends program. Dr. Sania Nishtar briefed him on the countrywide launch of Ehsaas Education Stipends for primary, secondary, and higher secondary education. The program gives stipends from age 4-22 years—i.e., from primary to the higher secondary levels. As per Ehsaas’ weighted-in-favour-of-girls stipends policy for all conditional cash transfer programs, girls get a higher stipend across all age groups, which signals the government’s intent to facilitate girls’ education. Primary school children are provided Ehsaas Education Stipends of Rs. 1,500 for boy child and Rs. 2,000 per quarter for girl child. Secondary school children are granted Ehsaas Education Stipends of Rs. 2,500 for boys and Rs. 3,000 per quarter for girls. Students of higher secondary level are given Rs. 3,500 for boys and Rs. 4,000 per quarter for girls. The Ehsaas Education Stipends program with higher incentive for girls, will encourage parents to send their children particularly girls to schools. A one-time Ehsaas graduation bonus of Rs. 3,000 is part of Ehsaas Education Stipends program to encourage girls to complete primary education. The program is operational nationwide in 160 districts.
Sania attends HEC-USAID Scholarship event
Sep 2, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar was a chief guest at the HEC-USAID Scholarship event jointly hosted by Higher Education Commission (HEC) and USAID. Under the umbrella of Merit and Needs based Scholarship Program (MNBSP), USAID and HEC have rolled out 700 new graduate level scholarships for women, talent hunt program for financially disadvantaged girls, and capacity building plan to support financial aid systems of forty Pakistani public sector universities. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sania thanked USAID for supporting 700 scholarships and for supporting capacity building in women universities to promote higher education for girls in Pakistan. She said, “Providing financial access to education for the underprivileged populations, Ehsaas is running need cum merit based Ehsaas undergraduate scholarship programme nationwide offering 200,000 scholarships (50% for girls) worth Rs. 24 Billion over 4 years. With Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships dovetailed to Ehsaas School Stipends nationwide, the unprecedented scale of Ehsaas assistance allows Pakistan, for the first time, to look holistically at measures to improve education at all ages from early schooling to under-graduate and everything in between.” Other eminent guests who joined the event were, USAID Mission Director Pakistan, Executive Director HEC, USAID officials, Vice Chancellors and students.
Ehsaas inks MoUs with the Federal Ministry of Education and Provinces for Ehsaas Education Stipends
August 30, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation and Shafqat Mehmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training co-chaired the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ehsaas and Federal Ministry for Education and Professional Training. The MoU aimed to tap additional human resources for the roll out of Ehsaas Education Stipends programme. On the occasion, a second MoU was also signed between Ehsaas and National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) to mobilize eligible families to enroll their children under Ehsaas Education Stipends. There are 18.7 million out-of-school children in the country. Ehsaas Education Stipends programme has been designed in coordination with provinces, and Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training to avoid duplications; reduce disparities in primary to higher secondary education opportunities by raising attendance, school enrolment, and the school progression among out of school children particularly girls. Ehsaas is also signing MoUs with the Secondary Education and Higher Education/Colleges’ Departments of provinces for identifying and providing education stipends to the eligible families.
Sania visits an Ehsaas Kafaalat beneficiary family in Talagang
Aug 31, 2021 – Islamabad: Ehsaas Nashonuma held its programme review workshop in Islamabad. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the review workshop. It was attended by the implementing partner World Food Programme (WFP) and Ehsaas team. The workshop highlighted the successes of the flagship anti-stunting programme of Ehsaas. Dr. Sania Nishtar highlighted the importance of the review, noting that the Government is planning to now expand as well as scale up the programme. She also remarked that Ehsaas Nashonuma was and continues to be an evidence-driven programme. To-date, 50 Ehsaas Nashonuma Centers have been opened across 14 districts. Chris Kaye, Country Director of WFP also joined the event.
Sania visits an Ehsaas Kafaalat beneficiary family in Talagang
Aug 29, 2021- Chakwal: Early morning, Dr. Sania Nishtar made a visit to Talagang Tehsil of Chakwal to meet the newly enrolled Ehsaas Kafaalat beneficiaries. She visited a local household who was included in Ehsaas Kafaalat through Ehsaas survey. The family had collected their first stipend of Rs. 12,000 which helped them in buying food rations. Dr. Sania sat with the family and guided them about benefits for eligible families under Ehsaas. She also asked the family to enroll their children under Ehsaas Education Stipends for quarterly stipends. While in Talagang, Dr. Sania also witnessed new registrations of children for the Ehsaas Education Stipends.
Sania issues a video message on 3 year completion of Govt and Ehsaas
Aug 27, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation has issued an official video message on the completion of three years of government and Ehsaas. She also issued an official statement on the three year performance of Ehsaas. “Ehsaas is the largest social protection program ever in history of country, and most comprehensive globally. National Ehsaas survey has been completed after a lag of 10 years, despite COVID-19. Budget for social protection has been doubled compared to any past government’s budget and 100% budget utilized over the last 3 years. 12 million families will get cash grants this year, 30% of the country’s population. Children in all classes, in every district, of all Ehsaas eligible families are eligible for Ehsaas education stipends.” Adding further, she said, “Ehsaas has been regarded by the World Bank as a program from which other countries can learn. Ehsaas has shifted the governance paradigm in the country from, as stated by Sir Michael Barber, Shift from politics of patronage to politics of performance.” Video can be watched here.
On PM’s directives, the newly formed Ehsaas Panagah Advisory Council meets for the first time
Aug 25, 2021 – Islamabad: On Prime Minister’s special directives, the first meeting of the newly formed Panagah Advisory Council was held at Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Headquarters. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the meeting. In line with PM’s instructions, a sixteen-member Advisory Council of Ehsaas Panagahs has recently been formed under the umbrella of Ehsaas. The Advisory Council has been assigned the mandate to provide valuable oversight on policy and strategic direction, institutionalization of audit and accountability systems, improving the quality of delivery, scalability, and sustainability of Ehsaas model Panagahs. The meeting was held in two sessions. The first session featured comprehensive orientation on the structure and standard operating procedures of Ehsaas Panagahs followed by a visit to the two Panagahs in Islamabad. “Panagahs’ (shelter homes) is one the Prime Minister’s priority programmes. Panagahs not only provide shelter to the labourers but also a two-time meal for them. To facilitate daily wagers, 22 Panagah facilities have been built up so far under Ehsaas countrywide”, said Dr. Sania.
Dr. Sania holds 7th e-Kacheri of Ehsaas
August 25, 2021 – Islamabad: In a national hook up radio programme, ‘Raabta’, Dr. Sania Nishtar held the seventh e-Kacheri of Ehsaas. She informed listeners about the recently opened Ehsaas registration desks. 403 Ehsaas registration desks have been opened nationwide at Tehsil level, where beneficiaries can self-enroll themselves. Currently, the Ehsaas survey is on its last leg and deserving households who were missed out in the survey can visit registration desks for survey registration. Dr. Sania answered questions of listeners who connected with her on telephone. She also informed that 100 more registration desks will be opened in the next two weeks. The programme was also broadcast simultaneously through Facebook. Listen to the programme here.
New Board of TVO meets under the Ehsaas umbrella
August 24, 2021 – Islamabad: The Trust for Voluntary Organisations (TVO) convened the meeting of its newly constituted Board of Directors (BoD). TVO is one of the executing agencies of Ehsaas, which has been revitalized after six years under the Ehsaas framework. Prior to the board meeting this morning, Dr. Sania Nishtar joined the Board members and briefed them on the overarching Ehsaas framework. After a preliminary briefing, Dr. Sania left the meeting. The Board meeting then formally commenced its first proceedings for the whole day. Several important matters were discussed and decided, including the annual action plan, budget and institutionalization of audit systems. The Board also elected Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani, Federal Secretary (R) as a Chairperson, while elected Tariq Khan Baluch, Development Specialist and Hidayat Ullah Khan, Development Expert as the two Vice Chairpersons.
Sania convenes review of Ehsaas Tahafuz scale-up
Aug 23, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM along with Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division Muhammad Ali Shahzada convened a meeting to review preparations for the nationwide expansion of Ehsaas Tahafuz. The project steering committee of Ehsaas Tahafuz has recently approved the expansion of Tahafuz to 14 public sector hospitals in all federating units. The Ehsaas team working on the scale-up of Ehsaas Tahafuz briefed the meeting about the current progress. Ehsaas Tahafuz is Pakistan’s first shock-oriented precision safety net being introduced under the umbrella of Ehsaas.
Sania reviews preparations for the upcoming Ehsaas Portal
Aug 23, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar convened a meeting with Ehsaas team to review preparations for the forthcoming Ehsaas portal. Through the web-portal, the people who have been registered through Ehsaas survey or Ehsaas Registration Desk will be able to find their eligibility under Ehsaas. By simply entering their Computerized National Identity Card numbers (CNICs), people will be able to check their eligibility status under Ehsaas Kafaalat and Ehsaas Emergency Cash-II. Currently, the preparations for launch of Ehsaas portal are in final stages. The portal will be launched next week. Secretary Ismat Tahira was also present in the meeting.
Noor-ul-Haq Qadri opens Ehsaas Nashonuma Center in Mula Gori Tehsil of Khyber
Aug 21, 2021 – Khyber: Federal Minister of Religious Affairs, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri opened Ehsaas Nashonuma Center in Mula Gori Tehsil of Khyber Tribal District. Ehsaas Nashonuma programme is a health and nutrition conditional cash transfer programme which aims to address stunting in children under 23 months of age. So far, 50 Ehsaas Nashonuma centers have been established at Tehsil level health facilities across 14 districts including Khyber to provide specialized nutrition food for pregnant and lactating women and children under 23 months, conditional cash transfer on quarterly basis, immunization, antenatal care/postnatal care and awareness sessions. At the center, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri also interacted with the staff and beneficiaries.
Sania chairs the 51st Board meeting of BISP
Aug 20, 2021 – Islamabad: Under the Ehsaas umbrella, the 51st meeting of the of the BISP board was held at BISP Headquarters, Islamabad. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the meeting. During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon various important agenda items related to the expansion of cash transfer programmes being executed by BISP under the Ehsaas framework. A vibrant discussion took place, deep dive analysis was carried out and many important decisions were taken by members of the board. The meeting was attended by Ismat Tahira Secretary BISP, Muhammad Ali Shahzada Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, and senior officials of Finance Division, Economic Affairs Division and NADRA. Amongst private sector members, Zaffar A Khan, Syed Salim Raza, Qazi Azmat Isa, and Dr. Ahsfaque Hasan Khan attended the meeting. Members participated in the meeting both physically as well as virtually
Sania chairs the 51st Board meeting of BISP
Aug 20, 2021 – Islamabad: Under the Ehsaas umbrella, the 51st meeting of the of the BISP board was held at BISP Headquarters, Islamabad. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the meeting. During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon various important agenda items related to the expansion of cash transfer programmes being executed by BISP under the Ehsaas framework. A vibrant discussion took place, deep dive analysis was carried out and many important decisions were taken by members of the board. The meeting was attended by Ismat Tahira Secretary BISP, Muhammad Ali Shahzada Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, and senior officials of Finance Division, Economic Affairs Division and NADRA. Amongst private sector members, Zaffar A Khan, Syed Salim Raza, Qazi Azmat Isa, and Dr. Ahsfaque Hasan Khan attended the meeting. Members participated in the meeting both physically as well as virtually
PM announces expansion of Ehsaas Koye Bhooka Na Soye Food Trucks
August 20, 2021- Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the expansion of ‘Ehsaas Koye Bhooka Na Soye’ (EKBNS) program. He also inaugurated the four food trucks that would serve free food to daily wage earners across Multan, Gujranwala and Lahore. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar SAPM and Managing Director Pakistan-Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar briefed the PM on the EKBNS expansion plan. Ehsaas has been running 12 trucks in 5 cities (Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Peshawar) and based on lessons learnt the program is being expanded to 7 cities with the addition of 4 more trucks for Multan, Gujranwala and Lahore, taking the total number of trucks to 16. Prime Minister announced that by October 2021, the EKBNS operations will be expanded to all four provinces, AJK and GB with the overall fleet of 40 food trucks in 29 cities that will feed 40,000 people every day and 1.46 million people, annually.
Sania opens second session of ‘The Pakistan Inequality Debates’
August 13, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar was invited as a Chief Guest in the second virtual session of the Pakistan Inequality Debates, entitled “Policy as a Driver of Inequality: Centering People for Inclusive Policy”. The debate was based on UNDP Pakistan’s National Human Development Report 2020: The Ps of Inequality: People, Policy and Power. The session was held as part of a series of national and provincial webinars, “The Pakistani Inequality Debates” that feature eminent thought leaders and policy makers. Speakers who joined the session together with Dr. Sania were—Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Former Governor SBP; Knut Ostby, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan; Dr. Hafeez Pasha, Lead Author NHDR 2020; and Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director SDPI. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sania stated, “This fiscal year is very important for us, as the new Ehsaas survey is being completed, based on which a number of programs will be scaled up nationwide for 14 target groups. In addition to the survey, we have completed Phase-1 of ‘Ehsaas BRI’, the building and rebuilding institutions initiative, we have put in place new programs—and we have done all this in tandem with the roll out of COVID-19 Ehsaas emergency cash, through which we reached out to nearly 40% of the country’s households.”
Sania chairs Ehsaas Rehribaan webinar on microfinance for vending carts
August 12, 2021 – Islamabad: For addressing the challenge of financing street vendors, PIDE and Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) organized a webinar for concerned stakeholders. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the webinar. The webinar aimed to create awareness among the microfinance community about the commercial prospects of financing street vendors and government facilitation in viable product development under Ehsaas Rehribaan. Other speakers who joined the webinar were— Amer Ali Ahmed, Chairman CDA; Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haque, VC PIDE; Syeda Shafaq Hashmi, Administrator MCI; and Presidents of Microfinance Banks and Institutions. Zia Banday, Focal person, Ehsaas Rehribaan Initiative briefed the participants on the potential of street economy. U Microfinance Bank and Apna Microfinance Bank, pioneers in cart financing, presented their successfully launched products. “Ehsaas Rehribaan is a pioneering experience in Pakistan, whereby a multi-partite engagement of federal and local governments along with think tank and microfinance institutions are collectively structuring a sustainable intervention for enhancing street livelihoods”, said Dr. Sania.
Sania opens international workshop organized by PARC and ICIMOD
August 11, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar was a chief guest at the international consultation workshop on, “Crop mapping and zoning for strengthening sustainable agricultural practices, policy support and livelihood improvement through Earth observation applications in Pakistan”. The workshop was organized by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Islamabad. Addressing the opening session, Dr. Sania stated, “Agricultural is and will remain the absolute priority of our government. That is why, agriculture is a whole of the government multisectoral agenda, as embedded in the Ehsaas framework.” She further added, “Being an agrarian economy, we strongly need to invest in research, modernization of hardware and software in agriculture, and focus on sustainability of the agri- sector.” Participants from national, provincial and non-governmental organizations working in the areas of agriculture, climate change, food security, water and irrigation participated in the workshop. Other eminent speakers who joined the opening session were Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD, Nepal; Bashir Ahmed, Director, Climate, Energy and Water Research Institute (CEWRI), PARC; Faisal Qamar, Group Lead Food Security, ICIMOD; and Muhammad Ismail, Country Representative, Pakistan Office, ICIMOD.
Sania visits the recently opened Ehsaas Registration Desks in Lahore
August 7, 2021 – Lahore: Dr. Sania Nishtar made a visit to Lahore to review the recently opened Ehsaas Registration Desks. Under Ehsaas framework, the registration desks will open nationwide in the month of August. Families in need, whose survey has not been conducted for some reason can self-enrol themselves in Ehsaas programme through registration desks. To-date, the Ehsaas survey is 98.14 percent complete throughout the country. However, the survey is currently underway in Lahore. Dr. Sania also reviewed the pace of survey activities in Lahore. To review the registration desk operations, Dr. Sania visited Comprehensive High School in Garhi Shahu area of Lahore. She also interacted with staff and women who were waiting for registration. Women had come to Ehsaas desks with CNICs in their hands for registration. Dr. Sania also oversaw details of a woman being enrolled at the desk. Currently three registration desks are fully functional in Lahore. Four more Ehsaas desks will open next week in Lahore Cantt to facilitate self-registration.
Sania reviews Ehsaas Survey and Ehsaas School Stipend enrolments in Lahore
August 7, 2021 – Lahore: While in Lahore, Dr. Sania Nishtar reviewed the pace of survey activities in Lahore. To-date, the Ehsaas survey is 98.14 percent complete throughout the country. However, the survey is currently underway in Lahore. She visited a local household in Ghoray Shah, Tezab Ahata area of Lahore to oversee their survey enrolment under Ehsaas. Later, Dr. Sania also met with children and their mothers to oversee new enrolments of children for the Ehsaas School Stipends. “Ehsaas education stipends are being scaled-up to secondary and higher secondary levels as well”, Dr. Sania stated. During the visit, Dr. Sania was joined by Secretary Ismat Tahira and other senior officials of Ehsaas.
Steering Committee of Ehsaas Tahafuz ratifies programme scale-up to all federating units
August 5, 2021 – Islamabad: The project steering committee of Ehsaas Tahafuz came to the table to deliberate on the national scale-up of the programme. Chaired by Dr. Sania Nishtar, the meeting discussed and approved the expansion of Tahafuz to 14 public sector hospitals across all federating units, treatment packages to be covered by service provider hospitals and grievance redressal and patient service mechanism. The committee also reviewed and approved the terms of reference of the Tahafuz expert committee. Ehsaas Tahafuz Steering Committee has been tasked to provide managerial and strategic oversight to Ehsaas Tahafuz. The meeting was held at the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD). Together with committee members and Tahafuz team, Secretary Muhammad Ali Shahzada and Senior Joint Secretary of the Division, Niaz Muhammad Khan also joined the meeting.
Hartwig Schafer congratulates Ehsaas on its incredible role
Aug 4, 2021 – Islamabad: Hartwig Schafer, South Asia Regional Vice President (SARVP), the World Bank visited Ehsaas offices. Dr. Sania Nishtar together with Ehsaas team welcomed the SARVP and his delegation. She briefed them on the deep-rooted reforms embedded in the design and roll out of Ehsaas programmes, policies, reforms and initiatives. Schafer congratulated Ehsaas for leading an incredible role not just amid COVID-19 pandemic but also in building back better post-COVID. The meeting aimed to discuss the Bank’s ongoing engagements with the government of Pakistan’s Ehsaas. “Many lessons can be learnt by developed and developing countries from the social protection and poverty alleviation experience of Ehsaas”, commented Schafer. He assured full assistance of the World Bank to antipoverty efforts undertaken under Ehsaas. He also praised the Ehsaas 50% plus benefits policy for women and girls. Hartwig Schafer was leading a delegation consisting of high-ranking officials from the World Bank- Najy Benhassine, Country Director; Gailius J. Draugelis, Operations Manager; and Amjad Zafar, Senior Social Protection Specialist.
UN Women Country Rep calls on Dr. Sania Nishtar
Aug 2, 2021 – Islamabad: UN Women Country Representative, Sharmeela Rassool, called on Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM at Ehsaas offices. The meeting explored areas of synergy and collaborations under Ehsaas. In her welcome remarks, Dr. Sania stated, “We have introduced a number of initiatives under Ehsaas that are aimed at promoting gender mainstreaming and empowering women.” UN Women Country Representative highly lauded the “Ehsaas 50% plus benefits policy” which ensures that at least 50% of all beneficiaries targeted by the programme across initiatives are women. Other senior officials from UN Women country office also joined the meeting. UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Sania opens Pak Korea Nutrition Center under Ehsaas Framework
August 1, 2021 – Faisalabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar opened the Pak Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Established under the Ehsaas framework (Policy # 59), the national nutrition center, ‘PKNC’ is the first of its kind, meant to address the malnutrition issue that has hit more than 50 percent of the population. Dr. Sania also thanked government of Korea for their collaboration. At the university, Dr. Sania was warmly welcomed by the Vice Chancellor of UAF, Professor Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan. Addressing the launching ceremony, Dr. Sania said, “I am particularly keen on exploring the feasibility of developing a school meals programme under the Ehsaas framework in collaboration with University of Agriculture Faisalabad. PKNC will guide the policy direction to address the issue of malnutrition in the country.” Adding further, she said, “Tackling malnutrition is also embedded in the Ehsaas strategy post- COVID-19.”
Ehsaas awards 1868 Undergrad Scholarships at University of Agriculture Faisalabad this year
August 1, 2021 – Faisalabad: Dr. Sania was invited by University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to launch the Pak Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) under the Ehsaas framework. During the visit to UAF, Dr. Sania was also briefed about the disbursement of Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships. In total 1,868 Ehsaas scholarships were given to students of UAF this year. Fifty percent of scholarships went to girls. Dr. Sania also awarded Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships among students of UAF. She interacted with awardees to gain insights on Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Policy. “For the academic year 2020/21, total 92,003 scholarships worth Rs. 8.4 Billion are being awarded nationwide”, said Dr. Sania.
Ehsaas opens 7 new Panagahs in July
July 31, 2021 – Islamabad: As part of Prime Minister’s initiative, Ehsaas opened 7 new Panagahs in the month of July 2021. Out of newly operationalized seven Panagahs, five have been set up in Nushki, Washuk, Kharan, Quetta and Chaman areas of Balochistan and 2 in Swat and Abbottabad districts of KP. Managing Director, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) inaugurated these new Panagahs. The “Ehsaas Panagahs” is one of the priority programmes of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Collectively, 22 Ehsaas Panagahs have been set up nationwide, so far under the direct supervision of PBM. These model Panagahs of Ehsaas provide free of cost, one star plus bed and breakfast facility with meals and essentials to daily wage earners and labourers.
PM approves the One Window Ehsaas Policy
July 31, 2021 – Islamabad: The Prime Minister has approved the One Window Ehsaas Policy. “With One Window Ehsaas policy in place, the aim is to deliver services through a single window, a one-stop shop”, stated Dr. Sania Nishtar. The overarching Ehsaas Strategy stipulated the creation of “One-Window Ehsaas” (Policy # 4) to enable delivery of the multiple Ehsaas programs through a single window, and to address issues in social protection programs. The policy entails six sets of actions: firstly, a One Stop Shop, the Ehsaas Physical Center; secondly, back office digital interface; thirdly, a public facing digital information and services platform; the fourth component is a mobile app; the fifth component is the integrated database; and finally, the Ehsaas One-Window Beneficiary Selection and Targeting Policy. Collectively, the six pillars of One Window policy will increase cohesiveness and coordination across the different programmes offered by different implementing organizations and will improve beneficiary experience. Policy can be accessed here.
Sania makes a surprise visit to Holy Family Hospital to stocktake Ehsaas Tahafuz
July 30, 2021 – Rawalpindi: Sitting under the Ehsaas umbrella, Tahafuz is a patient centric, shock-oriented programme that caters to one-time catastrophic health costs for those who lack ability to bear the heavy expenditures. To stocktake the progress of Ehsaas Tahafuz operations, Dr. Sania Nishtar made an unannounced visit to Tahafuz Desk in Holy Family Hospital (HFH), Rawalpindi. During the visit, she met with patients and their attendants, technical team of medical experts, hospital administrators and programme verifiers. Dr. Sania also visited Emergency, Ophthalmology and ICU wards and took feedback of patients and their attendants about the medical support extended through Tahafuz. “Patient feedback and first-hand insights will help in the Ehsaas Tahafuz scale-up, later this year”, said Dr. Sania. To-date, 612 deserving patients have been served at HFH, Rawalpindi. To facilitate patients in need, a facilitation desk has also been established at the HFH to identify the eligible beneficiaries for Tahafuz.
PM approves the six monthly plan of Ehsaas
July 30, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to brief him on the next six monthly plan of Ehsaas. PM was briefed on the programs and initiatives that will be launched under the umbrella of Ehsaas in next six months. During the meeting, PM approved the detailed six-monthly plan of Ehsaas. Dr. Sania also briefed the PM on the progress of Ehsaas in setting up model Panagahs under ‘Mazdoor ka Ehsaas’. To-date, 22 model Ehsaas Panagahs have been established in the country. PM emphasized to well maintain the standards of Ehsaas Panagahs. Panagahs not only provide shelter to daily wage earners but also a two-time meal to them.
Cart Financing Window Opens under Ehsaas Rehribaan Initiative in Islamabad: Sania
July 29, 2021- Islamabad: The Ehsaas Rehribaan initiative is being set up in Islamabad under the specific direction of the Prime Minister. Dr. Sania Nishtar made a visit to Ehsaas Rehribaan site in G-11 Markaz, Islamabad. She interacted with street vendors and reviewed the ongoing street vending interventions under the initiative. Representatives of three microfinance banks, namely U- Microfinance Bank, Apna Microfinance Bank and Mobilink Microfinance Bank were also present at the site. They briefed Dr. Sania about various microfinancing facilities available for vendors under Ehsaas Rehribaan initiative. “With the successful launch of the Ehsaas Rehribaan project in G-11 and G-10 commercial areas of Islamabad, government is aiming for the methodical and phased scale-up of the initiative”, stated Dr. Sania. At present, street vendors in G-11 and G-10 areas are getting regularized through the acquisition of pre-approved design carts either on their own account or through microfinance loans. Later on, the initiative will be expanded to the entire capital.
Dr. Sania highlights Ehsaas Tahafuz at WHO’s High Level Global Talk Show
July 28, 2021 – Islamabad: This World Hepatitis Day 2021, Dr. Sania Nishtar joined the high-level global talk show hosted by World Health Organization (WHO). The theme of World Hepatitis Day this year was “Hepatitis can’t wait” conveying the urgency of efforts needed to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Contributions and stories from countries from different WHO regions were showcased at the event. Speaking in the panel alongside WHO’s senior leadership, Dr. Sania reflected on the lessons learned from the innovations developed under government of Pakistan’s Ehsaas Tahafuz programme. She also highlighted government of Pakistan’s efforts towards combating viral hepatitis. Further, she talked about the recent government policy which mandates the use of auto-disable syringes; this policy has been approved by Cabinet. Alongside Dr. Sania, other panelists were: Dr. Hala Zayed, Minister of Health and Population, Egypt; Dr. Enkhbold Sereejav, Minister of Health Mongolia; and Arnaldo Medeiros, Vice-Minister for Health Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, Brazil.
Preps underway for Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies initiative
July 24, 2021 – Islamabad: As chair of the steering committee that oversees the Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies initiative, Dr. Sania Nishtar convened a meeting with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). The meeting aimed to understand new regulations which allow open and closed framework agreements with multiple vendors. Dr. Sania also visited several retail settings to plan for the Ehsaas targeted commodity subsidies initiative. The visit gauged digitization readiness of grocery retailers that is an execution prerequisite. “Field learnings will inform Ehsaas policy to mobilize stakeholders”, said Dr. Sania.
Sania highlights Pakistan’s role in bolstering girls’ education at SCO Forum
July 20, 2021 – Beijing: Dr. Sania Nishtar was invited to speak at Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Forum on, ‘Women’s Education and Poverty Reduction’ held in Beijing. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of SCO, the Forum was hosted by All China Women’s Federation in cooperation with the Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the SCO and SCO Secretariat in Beijing. In her speech, Dr. Sania remarked, “Progress is simply not possible without women. This principle sits at the core of Ehsaas. We therefore have Ehsaas 50%+ benefits for women and girls’ policy, which means that in each of Ehsaas’ programs more than 50% of the benefits are dedicated for women and girls.” She further added, “Ehsaas also has a new policy to incentivize girls’ education, which is evidenced in a recent decision to grant a higher stipend for girls in our education conditional cash transfer program.” Other speakers were– Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, First Lady of Uzbekistan, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, First Lady of Afghanistan, Vice President of Iran, USG of the UN & Executive Director of UN Women, Secretary-General of SCO, President of the Congress of Women of Kyrgyz Republic, and President of Mongolian Women’s Federation.
Sania convenes meeting on the forthcoming Ehsaas Digital Hunar
July 16, 2021 – Islamabad: With yesterday being an international youth skills day, Dr. Sania Nishtar convened a meeting with the technology team of Ehsaas on the forthcoming Ehsaas Digital Hunar programme. The Ehsaas Digital Hunar programme is aimed to empower the disadvantaged youth through digital skills, in order to make them employment ready. Pakistan currently has one of the youngest populations in the world. The Digital Hunar is being designed to deliver 3 to 6 month virtual programmes with in-demand market skills and hundred percent employability for the underprivileged youth. The programme includes the five resources: curriculum design & development; learning management system; affiliation programme with academia and private institutes; training programme; and freelance portal.
Sania held sixth e-Kacheri of Ehsaas to answer queries of beneficiaries
July 15, 2021 – Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM along with Ehsaas team convened the sixth e-Kacheri of Ehsaas. The e-Kacheri was broadcast through Radio Pakistan’s national hook up programme, ‘Raabta’ and Facebook, @EhsaasOffcialPK. She answered queries of Ehsaas beneficiaries who phoned her from different parts of country including Dera Ghazi Khan, Sadiqabad, Sukkur, Swat and Mianwali. Callers asked about the ongoing payments under Ehsaas Kafaalat and Ehsaas Emergency Cash-II. Talking to listeners, Dr. Sania announced that Ehsaas registration desks will be reopened throughout the country after the completion of Ehsaas survey by July 31, 2021. Full programme can be watched here.
Nigerian Delegation visits Ehsaas
July 15, 2021 – Islamabad: A delegation of senior officials from Nigeria was briefed on Ehsaas at the meeting hosted by Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division. The delegation comprised of of over 30 civilian and military officers enrolled in Senior Executive Course of the ‘National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies’ in Nigeria. Dr. Sania Nishtar welcomed the delegation and briefed them on the multicomponent social protection strategy and widespread operations of Ehsaas. Mainly, the meeting discussed significance of social protection at both the country and global levels in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic and explored multilateral collaborative options to foster social protection experience sharing between Nigeria and Pakistan. From Ehsaas, Secretary Ismat Tahira and Additional Secretary Capt. Saeed Ahmad Nawaz also briefed the delegation. The presentation was followed by a detailed question-and-answer session. Later, the delegation visited the first One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market Islamabad to see all Ehsaas services and benefits being provided to beneficiaries under one roof.
Sania chairs the meeting of steering committee for Ehsaas Targeted Subsidies
July 14, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar convened the meeting of steering committee for the forthcoming Ehsaas Targeted Subsidies programme. The steering committee for the programme has been constituted on the instructions of the Prime Minister. The Committee has been principally mandated to oversee the execution of the targeted commodity subsidies programme. This programme will be implemented by December 2021. With Dr. Sania in chair, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Deputy Governor SBP, President National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, Secretary BISP and Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation joined the steering committee meeting. They were also joined by senior officials and representatives from Finance Division, Industries and Production Division and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited. “Coming under the umbrella of Ehsaas, Targeted Commodity Subsidies programme will be executed through collaboration with Utility stores and NBP. Based on policy articulated by the Ministry of Finance, and regulatory support by SBP, the Government will enable Ehsaas beneficiaries being identified through new Ehsaas survey to get subsidized rates”, said Dr. Sania.
ADB’s policy dialogue in Tokyo commends Ehsaas for its effective outreach and transparent delivery systems
July 14, 2021 – Tokyo: July 14, 2021 – Tokyo: Dr. Sania Nishtar was invited to speak as a sole headline presenter at the international policy dialogue hosted by Asian Development Bank Institute in Tokyo. This was a one-year follow-up event, “From Emergency to Recovery: Social Safety Nets beyond the COVID-19 Crisis.” The high-level policy dialogue aimed to promote dialogue on the future of safety nets and social protection in Asia. It brought together policymakers who discussed country experiences and lessons learned from a year of safety nets. Dr. Sania keynoted the opening session and shared Pakistan’s story of the Ehsaas Emergency Cash last year, including the challenges and breakthroughs. Tetsushi Sonobe, Dean & CEO, Asian Development Bank Institute opened the event. Other distinguished speakers included Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, Information and Communication Technology Division and Cabinet Division; Huck-ju Kwon, Professor, Asia Development Institute, Graduate School of Public Administration, Seoul National University; and Michiel Van Der Auwera, Senior Social Development Specialist, Asian Development Bank. At the dialogue, Ehsaas programme was highly praised for its effective outreach and transparent delivery mechanisms.
PM lauds Ehsaas, NCOC and SBP for effective response to COVID-19
July 7, 2021 – Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the Ehsaas Team, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a tweet, he also thanked God Almighty for His mercy during difficult times. The Prime Minister also shared Economist Magazine’s normalcy index which declares Pakistan amongst the best performing countries for handling Covid-19. With a score of 84.4, Pakistan ranks third amongst fifty countries tracked by the Economist Magazine for return to pre pandemic life. However, as the threat of COVID-19 continues, the government continues warning masses to ensure implementation of SOPs on the basis of confirmed reports of a definitive uptick in COVID-19 cases, percentage positivity, since last week.
Pakistan leads a high-level side event in New York on social protection
July 7, 2021 – New York: The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in collaboration with the Governments of Finland and Costa Rica, World Bank, UNDESA and Ehsaas hosted a high-level side event on, “An Inflection Point on Social Protection” in New York. H.E. Ambassador Munir Akram, President of Economic and Social Council chaired the event. The session was keynoted by Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM along with the Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, Mr. Rodolfo Solano Quiros and Under Secretary General UNDESA Mr. Liu Zhenmin. The event was held to promote the establishment of a platform involving governments and stakeholders, who, recognizing the upheaval and distress of the pandemic are considering possible options to accelerate global social protection knowledge and practice. The Permanent Representatives of Finland and Costa Rica also addressed the event and reiterated the importance of global networking in social protection. Full session can be watched here.
Dr. Nishtar briefs Pakistani community in New York about Ehsaas programs & initiatives
July 7, 2021-New York: While in New York, Dr. Sania Nishtar met various members of the New York-based Pakistani community. She briefed about what Ehsaas entails, its components, progress underway, its priorities, partnership approach, challenges & opportunities and what success entails. Dr. Nishtar also replied to various questions from participants regarding the provision and management of funds and rule-based procedures. She also briefed them about digitally enabled Ehsaas Donations Management System which is on the anvil. Dr. Nishtar mentioned that the Ehsaas program was being run totally on apolitical basis. “The government is working to make Ehsaas fully digital in order to ensure transparency in the provision and management of funds”, she added. Pakistani expatriates richly lauded contributions of Ehsaas, particularly in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Nishtar was in New York to represent Pakistan at the United Nations’ High Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2021.
Dr. Sania holds press briefing with UN correspondents in New York
July 6, 2021 – New York: Dr. Nishtar was in New York to represent Pakistan at the United Nations’ High Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2021 on Sustainable Development. During the visit, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to United Nations in New York organized a press briefing of Dr. Sania with UN correspondents at the UN Headquarters. Dr. Sania briefed UN correspondents about the Government of Pakistan’s wide ranging social protection response to COVID-19 under Ehsaas program. She also briefed them about details of the forthcoming high-level side event on social protection that was scheduled on July 7. The high-level side event, she informed, would be hosted by Permanent Mission of Pakistan to UN in New York in collaboration with the Governments of Finland and Costa Rica, World Bank, UNDESA and Ehsaas. She also responded to questions of correspondents with regard to Ehsaas program. Full footage can be watched here.
Sub-committee of PAC richly praises Ehsaas
July 1, 2021 – Islamabad: The 36th meeting of sub-committee VII of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was held with Riaz Fatyana, MNA in chair, joined by the two members: Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak, MNA and Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM briefed them on Ehsaas programs and initiatives. The sub-committee commended the wide-ranging scale of Ehsaas, well-articulated strategy, multisectoral character, governance and integrity policy, rule- based procedures, and transparency measures hardwired in the design and execution of Ehsaas. The sub-committee was also briefed in the control room of the Ehsaas survey. They were informed about the integrity features. Further, Dr. Sania informed the sub-committee on an extensive process of governance reforms commenced in Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division and its implementing agencies to deliver Ehsaas. The sub-committee lauded the efficient use of technology and data under Ehsaas, which underpin tracking of multisectoral programs, initiatives and policies to ensure robust governance discipline throughout its operations. PAC is the supreme parliamentary forum for accountability of federal government departments.
Dr. Sania speaks at a high level event hosted by France, WHO and WGH
July 1, 2021 – Paris: Dr. Sania Nishtar was invited to speak at a high level event hosted by Government of France, World Health Organization (WHO) and Women in Global Health (WGH). Part of Generation Equality Forum, the high-level event themed, “Achieving gender-transformative policy action”. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sania Nishtar said, “As the world begins to build back post-COVID, we must put women inclusion at the heart of recovery efforts.” Further, she reflected on Ehsaas 50% plus benefits policy for women that is evenly embedded in over 280 Ehsaas programs, initiatives and policy actions. At the forum, Heads of State and Government, international organizations, civil society, the private sector and youth organizations gathered to launch the Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality, announcing concrete commitments and strengthen intergenerational, multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance gender equality over the next five years.
Ehsaas hosts briefing by Global Panel on Agriculture & Food Systems for Nutrition on Foresight Report 2.0
June 30, 2021-Islamabad: Ehsaas hosted a briefing on Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition’s Foresight report, ‘Future Food Systems: For People, our planet and prosperity’. The virtual briefing principally aimed to brief policy makers in Pakistan on the latest evidence to help make food systems more resilient and able to deliver healthy, sustainable diets to all. Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chaired the session. From the Global Panel’s side, Sir John Beddington, Chair; Prof Sandy Thomas, Director and Prof Tim Benton, Co-chair, Foresight Lead Expert Group gave briefing. Thanking experts for the insightful briefing, Dr. Sania concluded, “The report has important insights to guide food systems transformation.” The briefing was also joined by Coordinators and Focal Persons on Nutrition from provinces along with senior officials and representatives from World Food Programme, UNICEF, FAO, Nutrition International and Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan.
Ehsaas Registration Desks to reopen after July 31: Sania announces in fifth e-Kacheri of Ehsaas
June 30, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar held the fifth e-Kacheri of Ehsaas with Ehsaas beneficiaries. The e-Kacheri was broadcast through Radio Pakistan’s national hook up programme, ‘Raabta’, Pakistan Television and Facebook, @EhsaasOffcialPK. Connecting with masses, Dr. Sania informed that Ehsaas registration desks will be reopened after July 15, 2021. She answered queries of Ehsaas beneficiaries who phoned her from far flung parts of country. To the question, she responded that Ehsaas 8171 is currently closed and will reopen after July 15, 2021. Callers also asked about the ongoing payments under the second round of Ehsaas Emergency Cash, Ehsaas Kafaalat and Ehsaas education stipends. Full programme can be watched here.
Sania Nishtar holds open house with media at One Window Ehsaas Center
June 30, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar held an open house with print and electronic media at the One Window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market Islamabad. Media guests were briefed about the recently opened first One Window Ehsaas Center, which is aimed at ensuring access to all the facilities and services of Ehsaas in one space. “Similar One Stop Shop Ehsaas Centers will be opened in 154 districts to serve Ehsaas beneficiaries”, said Dr. Sania while briefing media. Giving an interactive demonstration, Dr. Sania informed that One Window of Ehsaas has six pillars: firstly, a one stop shop, the Ehsaas Center; secondly, back office digital interface; thirdly, a public facing digital information and services platform; the fourth component is a mobile app; the fifth component is cognitive API architecture—the integrated database; and finally, the Ehsaas One-Window Beneficiary Selection and Targeting Policy. Prime Minister had inaugurated this first One Window Ehsaas on June 9, 2021. After the briefing, the media guests were given a round of the facility by Dr. Sania wherein they explored operations of One Window Ehsaas Center, learnt about all Ehsaas facilities, and met with staff and beneficiaries. Full footage here.
All transgenders declared eligible in Ehsaas Kafaalat; Ehsaas school stipends extended to higher secondary level
June 28, 2021 – Islamabad: The 50th Board meeting of BISP was held under the Ehsaas framework; many important decisions were made. Board approved inclusion of all transgenders in Ehsaas Kafaalat programme. The Board also approved establishment of 154 district level Ehsaas Centers modelled on the One window Ehsaas Center in Sitara Market in Islamabad. This will enable all services to be accessed under one roof, greatly facilitating beneficiaries. Board also ratified enhancement of Ehsaas’ education stipends to secondary and higher secondary levels. The new conditional cash transfer programme is aimed at helping underprivileged families to educate their primary school going children till higher secondary level. The Board also gave approval for the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Utility Stores Corporation for Ehsaas Targeted Subsidy programme. The Board granted approval for the budget 2021/22 as well, on the recommendation of the Finance committee.
Sania addresses a news briefing on Ehsaas survey in Lahore
June 26, 2021 – Lahore: Dr. Sania Nishtar addressed a news briefing at Commissioner’s office in Lahore. Talking to media, she said that the Ehsaas survey is currently 95% complete in the country and will be ready by July 31, 2021. “To ensure the timely completion, Ehsaas has expedited the survey activities in four out of five Tehsils of Lahore. Soon after survey completion, 30 Ehsaas registration desks will open across all five Tehsils of Lahore including the fifth Tehsil, Lahore Cantonment”, said Dr. Sania. Ehsaas registration desks, she informed, will facilitate self-registration of missed out households in the survey. Further, Dr. Sania thanked district administration, government teachers and local media for their cooperation in execution of the survey under Ehsaas. She also urged them to create awareness among masses, asserting that it is a free-of-cost survey and voluntary registration. Ehsaas survey teams are not authorized to charge any fee for surveying households. Secretary Ismat Tahira was also present. Full footage can be watched here.
Dr. Sania visits a household in Lahore to witness survey registration
June 26, 2021 – Lahore: Immediately followed by the news briefing, Dr. Sania made a visit to a local household on Dev Samaj Road, Sant Nagar area of Lahore to witness the digital process for survey registration. She met members of the household that was being surveyed under Ehsaas. She also guided them about the purpose of the national socio-economic registry survey. Further, Dr. Sania asked people to help the survey teams by sharing correct and true information when they arrive at their doorstep. “This is critical to ensure survey quality”, she emphasized.
Sania convenes meeting to review progress of PBM
June 25, 2021 – Islamabad: At the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired a meeting to review the progress of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) under Ehsaas. PBM is one of the four main executing agencies of Ehsaas with a responsibility for demand side social protection. The meeting took stock of several Ehsaas programmes being run by PBM including Bait-ul-Mal Madad, Dar-ul-Ehsaas, Model Panagahs and Ehsaas Koi Bhooka Na Soye. Muhammad Ali Shahzada, Secretary of the Division, Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Managing Director PBM and Naseem-ur-Rehman, PM’s Focal Person on Panagahs also joined the meeting.
Ehsaas primary school graduation bonus for girls announced
June 25, 2021 – Chakwal: Dr. Sania Nishtar joined children and their mothers at Government Boys High School, Akwal in Talagang to witness new enrolments of children from poorest households under the Ehsaas education CCT. She sat with children and mothers who were waiting in the queue to get enrolled in the programme for quarterly stipends. Dr. Sania also oversaw details of a child being entered in the end-to-end digital enrolment system. Regional team of Ehsaas briefed Dr. Sania on the recently launched nationwide campaign to enrol deserving children for Ehsaas educational stipends. The campaign is being rolled out at Tehsil levels in close coordination with provinces, district administrations and key development stakeholders. “Ehsaas is also introducing a one-time graduation bonus of Rs. 3,000 to encourage girls completing primary education. The central reason for this incentive is to tackle gender disparity in education. This will also ensure that every girl child after receiving the graduation bonus gets enrolled in secondary education programme”, announced Dr. Sania while talking to local press and media.
Sania inspects Ehsaas Emergency Cash payments in Talagang
June 25, 2021 – Chakwal: Dr. Sania Nishtar, made an unannounced visit to Talagang Tehsil of Chakwal together with Ehsaas team. This was the first visit of Dr. Sania since the payments began on June 16, 2021 under the phase II of Ehsaas Emergency Cash. At the cash distribution site in Municipal Administration offices, she interacted with Ehsaas beneficiaries who had come to collect their payments. Each one of them had 8171 message on their phones to collect either emergency cash or Kafaalat handout of Rs. 12,000. All of them had been identified and declared eligible through the new Ehsaas survey. The Ehsaas Emergency Cash disbursements to the beneficiaries have been commenced last week. However, payments to newly enrolled Ehsaas Kafaalat beneficiaries are underway since January 2021. Also, the payments to new enrolees being identified through Ehsaas survey are underway. Dr. Sania also witnessed the quarterly payment of Ehsaas education stipends being made to mothers of children.
Sania convenes meeting to review Ehsaas Emergency Cash -II operations
June 24, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar convened a meeting to review national scale cash transfer operations under Ehsaas Emergency Cash-II. The disbursements began on June 16, 2021 across the country. Beneficiaries are being identified and declared eligible through the new Ehsaas survey. The review meeting took stock of second phase of Ehsaas Emergency Cash operations in light of social media insights from the field. The meeting was joined by regional teams of Ehsaas and Heads of partnering banks- HBL and Bank Alfalah. Secretary Ismat Tahira was also present.
Sania assesses plan to upscale Ehsaas Tahafuz pilot
June 24, 2021 – Islamabad: A meeting was held at the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division to assess the plan for upscaling Ehsaas Tahafuz pilot operations. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the meeting. Muhammad Ali Shahzada, Secretary of the Division together with Ehsaas Tahafuz team briefed Dr. Sania on the progress and expansion of Ehsaas Tahafuz pilot. Currently, Ehsaas Tahafuz is being piloted in one hospital of Rawalpindi. Ehsaas Tahafuz has been developed on digital lines using information technology to provide immediate health care to deserving patients admitted in the hospital. Preparations are underway to expand the programme to other parts of the country.
Nutrition is embedded in the Ehsaas’ post- COVID strategy: Dr. Sania keynotes IPU meeting
June 23, 2021 – Geneva: Dr. Sania Nishtar keynoted the high-level parliamentary meeting hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). She presented Pakistan’s perspective on nutrition centred social protection operations. The meeting themed, “Transforming food systems for health, equity, and sustainability”. Keynoting the meeting, Dr. Sania emphasized that transforming food systems should be central to our efforts for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. She further added that Nutrition is embedded in the Ehsaas strategy post- COVID. The pandemic has shown that it is possible to place nutrition at the heart of poverty alleviation objectives. Other eminent speakers were- Gerda Verburg, UN Assistant Secretary-General and SUN Movement Coordinator; Agnes Kalibata, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit; and QU Dongyu, Director General, FAO. The IPU is the global organization of national Parliaments, with 179 Member Parliaments out of the 193 countries in the world.
Dr. Sania invited to keynote special session of WFP Executive Board
June 23, 2021- Rome: World Food Programme (WFP) invited Dr. Sania Nishtar to keynote the special session of Executive Board. The session talked about WFP’s support to national social protection, as a way of reaching Zero Hunger. Embassy of Pakistan in Italy co-hosted this session. A number of partners were invited to speak about their perspectives on WFP’s work including Germany’s BMZ, Sweden’s Sida, and the World Bank. From Pakistan, Dr. Sania Nishtar highlighted WFP’s contribution to national social protection programmes. Outlining Ehsaas’ social protection role in post-COVID context, Dr. Sania shared that Ehsaas Nashonuma is a conditional cash transfer programme aimed at tackling stunting among children under two years of age, along with pregnant and lactating mothers.
Ehsaas to open appeal system for widows in Ehsaas Kafaalat: Sania
June 23, 2021 – Islamabad: On International Widows Day 2021, Dr. Sania Nishtar took to the twitter to announce about the special appeal system being built under the Ehsaas umbrella for widows. She said that Ehsaas commits to making special arrangements this year to open a window of appeals for widows in Ehsaas Kafaalat. The system will ensure the inclusion of deserving widows under the Ehsaas Kafaalat programme. Details of the appeal system would be shared soon. Under Ehsaas Kafaalat, women from poorest households get a monthly stipend of Rs. 2000 along with savings bank account.
Dr. Sania makes a surprise visit to One Window Ehsaas Center
June 23, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar made a surprise visit to the One Window Ehsaas Center in Islamabad. She took round of all desks, offices and outlets established at the center and interacted with staff and beneficiaries. Dr. Sania also sat with families at the center, listened to their concerns and assured them of full support from Ehsaas. This first One Window Ehsaas Centre was opened by the Prime Minister in Sitara Market of the federal capital on June 9, 2021. It aims to deliver all Ehsaas services through a single window. In this center, all Ehsaas services can be accessed at one place.
Sania Nishtar convenes the fourth e-Kacheri of Ehsaas
June 23, 2021 – Islamabad: Together with Ehsaas team, Dr. Sania Nishtar convened the fourth e-Kacheri of Ehsaas. She responded to queries of Ehsaas beneficiaries who phoned her from various remote areas of country. Callers asked about the ongoing payments under the second round of Ehsaas Emergency Cash. Dr. Sania guided listeners that beneficiaries for Ehsaas Emergency Cash are being identified the ongoing Ehsaas survey which is 94% complete. She also guided listeners about the process of enrolment under ‘Ehsaas Kafaalat for Special Persons’. The e-Kacheri was broadcast through Radio Pakistan’s national hook up programme, Raabta and Facebook, @EhsaasOffcialPK. Full programme can be watched here.
Sania visits QAU to hold a policy dialogue on Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships
June 22, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar made a visit to Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad to hold a policy consultation on Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships with brilliant and deserving students. On the grounds of the university, Dr. Sania sat with Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship awardees of 2020-21. “I am delighted that for the FY 2020/21, total 90,000 scholarships worth Rs. 8.4 Billion are being awarded to deserving yet talented students”, said Dr. Sania. Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali and other faculty members were also present. More than 50 boys and girls participated in the dialogue. Lauding the scale of the Ehsaas scholarships, the students shared that they were able to pursue their higher education only because of the support they received through Ehsaas undergraduate scholarship programme. Students who came to the table with Dr. Sania were from diverse regional and social backgrounds including Bahawalpur, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Zhob, Turbat, Gilgit, Ghizer, Chitral and AJK. They were studying in different undergraduate disciplines- Bioinformatics, Economics, Social Sciences, Archaeology, Botany and Pakistan Studies etc.
Sania convenes the 6th Risk Management & Assurance Committee meeting of BISP
June 22, 2021 – Islamabad: Under the Ehsaas umbrella, the meeting of the Risk Management and Assurance Committee of the BISP board was held in Islamabad. Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the meeting. This was the sixth meeting of the Committee. The meeting discussed risk mapping and risk mitigation strategies under the Ehsaas Risk Registry. The Committee approved the risk register and recommended future course of action against the identified risks to make the programme delivery transparent, accountable and responsive. Members of the Committee joined both physically and virtually along with Monitoring and Evaluation team. BISP is one of the 34 executing agencies of Ehsaas.
Cabinet ratifies ECC’s decision to approve increment in monthly stipend of Ehsaas Kafaalat
June 22, 2021 – Islamabad: Federal Cabinet ratified the decision of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to increase Ehsaas Kafaalat stipend and grant equivalent of an extra month of payment to all beneficiaries every year. The six month stipend will increase from Rs 12,000 to 13,000 from January 2022. Earlier on January 21, 2021, the ECC had approved the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation’s proposal on Indexation Policy for Cash Transfer that would allow the beneficiaries to receive an additional cash of Rs. 166 per month due to indexation. The mechanism shall consist of a Committee which will be chaired by Secretary Finance Division. The other members of the Committee would be Additional Finance Secretary, Secretary Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, Economic Advisor Finance Division, and one co-opted member for independent technical advice.
Dr. Sania meets recently supported ‘Ehsaas Rehribaans’ in G-10 Markaz Islamabad
June 21, 2021- Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar visited the ‘Ehsaas Rehribaan’ site in G-10 Markaz of Islamabad to interact with street vendors who have recently been provided with improved carts to streamline local vending activities. Ehsaas Rehribaan aims to create an enabling environment for street vendors in Islamabad. During the visit, Dr. Sania walked around the vending carts and interacted with street vendors. She obtained their viewpoints on the pilot initiative and explored possibilities to improve the street vending ecosystem. Under the umbrella of Ehsaas, the Rehribaan pilot is an outcome of collaboration between Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety Division (PASSD), Capital Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), ICT Administration and Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).”
Steering Committee for Ehsaas’ education CCTs endorses scale-up of stipends for secondary education
June 17, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar chaired the meeting of the Ehsaas steering committee for the Ehsaas education conditional cash transfer programme. The steering committee was briefed on the upscaling of primary education conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme, Waseela-e-Taleem Digital to the secondary level. The programme is all set to be rolled out across all districts of the country in the first quarter of the next financial year. In the meeting, all four provinces, GB and AJK came to the table to endorse the scale-up of Ehsaas stipends for secondary education. It was fully ratified that secondary education CCT, when launched under the umbrella of Ehsaas will reduce disparities in secondary schooling opportunities by raising school attendance, enrolment, and the school progression among out of school children particularly girls.
Sania holds third Ehsaas e-Kacheri jointly through Radio Pakistan and FB
June 17, 2021 – Islamabad: Dr. Sania Nishtar held the third Ehsaas e-Kacheri with Ehsaas beneficiaries. The e-Kacheri was broadcast through Radio Pakistan’s national hook up programme, Raabta and Facebook, @EhsaasOffcialPK. She responded to questions of beneficiaries who phoned her from remote areas of country. Callers asked about the second round of Ehsaas Emergency Cash. Dr. Sania apprised listeners that Ehsaas Emergency Cash disbursements have begun on June 16, 2021. Further, she shared that Rs.12,000 emergency cash would be provided to each of the 4 million additional households. These households will be identified through the ongoing Ehsaas survey which is 92% complete. She also guided listeners that women of eligible households would be able to collect payment upon receiving the message. Full footage can be watched here.
Ehsaas opens digital platform with people centred instructional information
une 16, 2021 – Islamabad: Ehsaas opens an e-portal, “Ehsaas Digital”, for accessing information and services related to all Ehsaas programmes and initiatives. Designed to empower and facilitate a common man, this e-portal is part of the One Window Ehsaas initiative. The digital e-portal offers Ehsaas specific people centred information. “People are not interested in technical information. They have questions about how they can benefit from Ehsaas. So, we have built the Ehsaas Digital e-portal with this in view based on the questions which we get on social media about various Ehsaas programmes”, said Dr. Sania Nishtar during the press conference. Ehsaas Digital can be accessed here.