A group of women in Muzaffargarh recently protested the closure of a Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) centre in Shah Jamal. The centre was closed due to a lack of available retailers and essential facilities, which led to serious issues for the beneficiaries. This article will cover the key points of the incident, including the reasons for the protest, the illegal activities reported at the BISP centres, and the overall response from the local administration.
| Issue | Location | Key Involvement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISP Centre Closure | Shah Jamal, Muzaffargarh | Women beneficiaries | Protest and road blockage |
| Illegal Deductions | Mauza Khangarh | Retailer Wasif and accomplices | Arrest made, case registered |
| Protesters’ Appeal | Muzaffargarh | Women beneficiaries | Appeal to CM Maryam Nawaz |
| Robbery Incident | Shah Jamal | Junaid (victim), unknown culprits | Case registered, DPO notice |
Women Protest Due to BISP Centre Closure
In Shah Jamal, Muzaffargarh, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) centre had to close down because there were not enough retailers and necessary facilities to keep it running. As a result, many women who relied on the program were unable to access their funds. These women, frustrated by the situation, took to the streets and blocked a main road in protest. They were demanding that the centre be reopened so they could continue receiving the financial support they depend on.
The closure of the BISP centre created a lot of difficulties for the local women, who rely on the program for essential financial aid. They blocked the road to express their frustration and to draw attention to the lack of available resources.
Illegal Deductions from BISP Payments
During a surprise inspection by Alipur Assistant Commissioner Mukarram Sultan at the Mauza Khangarh BISP centre, it was discovered that retailers were illegally deducting money from the beneficiaries’ payments. In one instance, two women, Zainab Mai and Saira Bibi, reported that Rs700 was deducted from their Rs10,500 payments by retailer Wasif and his accomplices.
These illegal deductions have been a widespread problem, and many women have faced similar issues. The women also alleged that some members of the administration were involved in this illegal activity, further exploiting the poor.
Key Issues with BISP Payments:
- Illegal deductions from beneficiaries’ funds
- Widespread corruption by retailers
- Involvement of local administration in embezzlement
Arrests and Investigations
After the illegal deductions were discovered, a case was registered against retailer Wasif and his accomplices. While Wasif managed to flee, one of his accomplices was arrested by the authorities. This case brought attention to the widespread issue of retailers taking advantage of BISP beneficiaries by deducting illegal amounts from their payments.
The administration has been instructed to take immediate action to ensure that full payments are given to beneficiaries without any illegal deductions. Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Abida Fareed had previously given strict orders for assistant commissioners to conduct surprise visits at BISP centres to monitor the situation.
Summary of Actions Taken:
- A case registered against retailer Wasif
- Arrest of one accomplice involved in illegal deductions
- Ongoing investigation to stop illegal activities at BISP centres
Protests Over Poor Facilities
The women protesting also highlighted the lack of basic facilities at the BISP centres, such as seating arrangements, drinking water, security, and shaded areas. These centres are meant to provide financial assistance to the poorest members of society, yet they lack the essential infrastructure needed to serve the beneficiaries properly.
The protesting women demanded improvements in the facilities provided at these centres. They also appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to visit Muzaffargarh to address the issues faced by the BISP beneficiaries.
Robbery Incident in Shah Jamal
In a separate incident, a young man named Junaid was killed during a robbery attempt in Shah Jamal. Junaid and his cousin were returning home after attending a religious event when they were stopped by robbers. The robbers tried to snatch Junaid’s motorcycle, and when he resisted, they shot him. Junaid died on the spot, while his cousin, Idrees, was injured.
The local police have registered a case against the unknown culprits and are working to catch the criminals responsible. District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Hasnain Haider has taken notice of the incident and directed the local police to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested quickly.
Conclusion
The closure of the BISP centre in Shah Jamal has caused significant problems for the women who rely on it for financial support. The protest, combined with the discovery of illegal deductions at other centres, has highlighted the need for urgent action to improve the system. The local administration must ensure that beneficiaries receive their full payments without illegal deductions, and the necessary facilities should be provided at the BISP centres to serve the public better. Moreover, the police are investigating the robbery case, and efforts are being made to catch the criminals responsible for Junaid’s tragic death.