LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Pakistan People’s Party leader Farzana Raja in connection with embezzlement in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) funds.
According to sources, the anti-corruption watchdog has formally launched investigation into alleged Rs 3 billion embezzlement in the BISP’s advertisement funds. Ex-BISP chairman Farzana Raja has been summoned for interrogation.
Farzana Raja was appointed as chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) in 2008.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was launched in July 2008 with an immediate objective of consumption smoothening and cushioning the negative effects of slow economic growth, the food crisis and inflation on the poor, particularly women, through the provision of cash transfers of Rs. 1,000 per month to eligible families.
The monthly installment was enhanced to Rs. 1200 per month w.e.f 1st July, 2013 by the present government and has now been fixed at Rs. 1500 per month w.e.f 1st July, 2014.
Since its inception in 2008, BISP has grown rapidly; it is now the largest single social safety net program in Pakistan’s history.
