The Benazir Nashonuma Programme is one of Pakistan’s key social protection initiatives under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). It aims to improve maternal and child health, reduce stunting, and combat malnutrition through conditional cash transfers. By linking financial assistance with health and nutrition awareness, this initiative supports pregnant and lactating women and children under two years of age across Pakistan.
What Is the Benazir Nashonuma Programme?
Launched under the umbrella of BISP, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme provides regular cash assistance and nutrition services to help women and children live healthier lives. It’s designed as a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) initiative, meaning beneficiaries receive payments only after attending health check-ups and awareness sessions.
For those who wish to Find BISP Office Address for registration, complaint resolution, or child health verification, local BISP centers and facilitation camps are available in every district across Pakistan.
The programme directly contributes to Pakistan’s goals under Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by preventing low birth weight, anaemia, and micro nutrient deficiencies.
Main Objectives:
- Prevent stunting among children under two years
- Ensure proper weight gain during pregnancy
- Improve maternal nutrition awareness
- Encourage immunization and child health monitoring
- Reduce disease burden through preventive care
Benazir Nashonuma Payments 2026
The government provides quarterly cash transfers to eligible mothers through HBL Konnect, Easypaisa, and Nashonuma Centers. Payments are verified via biometric authentication using CNIC-based verification for full transparency.
| Beneficiary Category | Quarterly Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Pregnant Women | 2,000 |
| Lactating Mothers | 2,500 |
| Children Under Two Years | 2,000 |
This direct cash support helps families meet nutritional needs and medical expenses while ensuring mothers attend regular check-ups.
Eligibility Criteria for Benazir Nashonuma Programme
To qualify for the programme in 2026, families must meet the following conditions:
Pregnant or Lactating Women
- Must be registered under BISP
- Required to attend antenatal health check-ups
- Must participate in nutrition and maternal health awareness sessions
- Should present CNIC and medical records at enrollment
Children Under Two Years
- Eligible for support from birth up to 24 months
- Must be fully vaccinated and attend growth monitoring sessions
- Linked with their mother’s BISP registration profile
Family Requirements
- Must be part of an active BISP beneficiary family
- Attendance at mandatory awareness sessions is compulsory for continued payments
Note: Missing health sessions or failing biometric verification may delay or suspend payments.
Facilities at Nashonuma Centers
Benazir Nashonuma Centers, established in district hospitals and health units, serve as one-stop facilitation hubs. These centers offer both healthcare and financial support to registered families.
Services include:
- Free health check-ups for mothers and children
- Distribution of Specialized Nutritious Food (SNF)
- Child vaccination and growth monitoring
- Maternal nutrition counseling and hygiene workshops
- Awareness sessions on balanced diets, breastfeeding, and preventive health
Initially piloted in 14 districts, the programme now covers 45 districts and is expanding nationwide under the Government of Pakistan and BISP Board supervision.
How to Apply for the Benazir Nashonuma Programme 2026
The registration process is simple and transparent, designed to reach every deserving family.
Step by Step Registration Guide
- Visit Nearest Nashonuma Center
Located in your district hospital or designated health unit. - Submit Required Documents
Bring your CNIC, BISP registration number, and medical/vaccination records. - Undergo Health Check-ups
Attend antenatal check-ups and participate in nutrition awareness sessions. - Biometric Verification
Confirm identity through NADRA’s CNIC system. - Receive Payments
Collect your monthly cash assistance through HBL Konnect or Easypaisa.
Tip: Keep your CNIC and BISP data updated to avoid payment delays.
Benefits of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme
| Focus Area | Impact / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Maternal Health | Promotes healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries |
| Child Nutrition | Prevents stunting and supports growth |
| Financial Stability | Provides regular cash to manage medical costs |
| Health Education | Increases awareness of nutrition and preventive care |
| Transparency | Ensures fair disbursement via biometric verification |
These benefits make Nashonuma not just a welfare scheme but a sustainable health investment for Pakistan’s next generation.
Relation with Other BISP & Ehsaas Initiatives
The Benazir Nashonuma Programme complements other major welfare schemes like:
- Benazir Kafalat Programme – for financial empowerment of women
- Ehsaas Nashonuma – earlier version under Ehsaas umbrella
- Himmat Card and Asaan Karobar Card – for special persons and small business owners
Together, these initiatives strengthen poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and financial inclusion across Pakistan.
Also Read: BISP in Pakistan
Expansion & Future Goals (2026)
The BISP Board plans to expand Benazir Nashonuma Centers to every district by 2026. Future upgrades include:
- Digital registration portals for faster enrollment
- SMS tracking via 8171 for payment updates
- Integration with health monitoring apps for real-time reporting
This digital transition ensures the programme remains transparent, efficient, and accessible to every deserving family.
Conclusion:
The Benazir Nashonuma Programme is more than just a cash aid scheme it’s a nationwide movement for maternal and child well-being. By combining financial support, nutrition education, and health services, the programme empowers women and reduces the cycle of poverty and malnutrition.
As part of BISP’s ongoing mission for social protection and women empowerment in Pakistan, Nashonuma stands out as a model of transparency, inclusion, and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the Benazir Nashonuma Programme?
Pregnant and lactating women registered with BISP, and their children under two years of age.
2. How much financial assistance is provided?
Beneficiaries receive PKR 2,000–2,500 per quarter depending on the category.
3. How can I apply?
Visit your nearest Nashonuma Center with CNIC and BISP family registration to enroll.
4. How are payments transferred?
Funds are released after biometric verification through HBL Konnect or Easypaisa.
