ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information, Fawad Chaudhry confirmed on Tuesday that the name of the cash transfer poverty programme, Benazir Income Support Programme would not be changed.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry announced that the recent controversy over the change in the name of BISP was discussed by the federal cabinet in its meeting today, with the conclusion that the name would remain intact.
The minister announced that the cabinet had decided to establish a new division ‘Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Division’ for poverty alleviation, which according to him was a first in Pakistan’s history.
The lawmaker also dismissed rumours of abolishing BISP and continued that the government has introduced a poverty alleviation programme under which various social welfare schemes such as the Sehat Insaf Card, business loans and low-cost housing programme will operate.
“BISP will continue in its place but these programmes will be launched in addition to it under the banner of the ‘Ehsas’ programme,” Fawad Chaudhry told newsmen.
During his visit to Sindh’s Ghotki district on Saturday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had reportedly agreed with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf allies that the name of BISP should be changed; the proponents of name change alleged that the PPP was misusing the poverty alleviation project.
On the other hand, PPP had vowed to resist the reported plan, with its chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari alleging that the government was conspiring to terminate BISP by initially changing its name and then reducing its funds.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also against the proposed editing of BISP name.
IPL telecast banned
The federal cabinet also decided to put a ban on the telecast of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches in Pakistan on the pretext of “propaganda” carried out by India in recent weeks, Chaudhry said.
The minister said the government believes political conflicts should not be allowed to cast an impact on sports and culture, however, highlighted the attitude of India against Pakistani citizens, actors, artists and cricketers.
Chaudhry opined that the wearing of military gear by Indian cricket players during a match against Australia was the limit for Pakistan.
Moreover, Chaudhry reminded that the official Indian broadcaster was made to withdraw from the fourth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) midway following the Pulwama attack to harm the league.
He said the Ministry of Information had suggested the ban on IPL because India made an organised effort to harm cricket in Pakistan.
After the cabinet’s endorsement of the ban, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority will ensure that IPL matches are not broadcasted by any TV channels, Chaudhry said.
