The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is a lifeline for many low-income families in Pakistan, especially women. Recently, an important update has been shared for married women interested in registering for the BISP 8171 Kafalat program. If you’re a married woman hoping to apply, it’s crucial to understand that registration cannot be done via SMS anymore. Instead, you must visit the nearest BISP registration center in person to complete your application.
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Why Married Women Cannot Register via SMS?
Many people mistakenly believe that sending an SMS to the number 8171 is enough to register for BISP benefits. However, this is not true. The SMS service at 8171 is designed only for checking the status of your application or payments, not for new registrations. Married women applying for the first time must appear physically at a BISP center for biometric verification and to complete the necessary registration formalities.
This new rule helps prevent fraud and ensures that only eligible women receive the benefits they deserve.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for BISP 8171?
The BISP Kafalat program specifically targets married women who meet these conditions:
- Must be a Pakistani citizen.
- Must be legally married as per NADRA records.
- Must have a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
- Must come from a low-income household.
- Must complete a dynamic survey and biometric verification at a BISP center.
If you fulfill these criteria, you can apply, but remember, registration must be done in person.
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Where and How to Register?
To apply for BISP 8171, visit the nearest BISP registration center. These centers are usually located at:
- Tehsil Headquarters offices
- Benazir Dynamic Registration Centers
- Government-approved data collection camps
When you go:
- Take your original CNIC with you.
- Complete the biometric verification process.
- Fill out the dynamic survey form.
- Wait for confirmation of eligibility via SMS.
Without biometric verification, your registration will not be accepted.
What About SMS 8171? What Is It For?
It’s important to understand the role of the 8171 SMS service:
- Check if you are already registered with BISP.
- Get updates about your payment status.
- Confirm your eligibility for Taleemi Wazaif (education stipends).
But remember, you cannot use SMS 8171 to register for BISP. The SMS system is only for status inquiries and updates.
Documents Needed for Registration
Make sure to bring the following documents to the BISP center:
- Original CNIC (in your own name)
- Proof of marriage (if NADRA requires it)
- Children’s B-Form if applying for education stipends (Taleemi Wazaif)
- Address proof like a utility bill (if requested)
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid delays or rejection of your application, do not:
- Attempt to register by sending an SMS to 8171.
- Use unofficial websites or WhatsApp groups claiming to register you.
- Rely on middlemen or agents for registration.
- Expect immediate approval without completing the biometric and survey process.
- Confuse NADRA offices with BISP registration centers.
FAQs
Q: Can I register by sending my CNIC to 8171?
A: No. SMS 8171 is only for checking status, not for registration.
Q: Who can apply for BISP Kafalat?
A: Only married women with valid CNICs from low-income families.
Q: Is biometric verification necessary?
A: Yes, it is mandatory to complete the registration.
Q: Can widows or divorced women apply?
A: Yes, if their marital status is correctly recorded with NADRA.
Q: What if I don’t get a reply from 8171?
A: Visit the nearest BISP office or call the helpline at 0800-26477.
Need Help? Contact BISP Helpline
If you face any difficulty or have questions, reach out to BISP directly:
- Helpline Number: 0800-26477
- Official Website: https://8171.bisp.gov.pk
Use the SMS service only for checking your current registration or payment status.
Conclusion
The Benazir Income Support Programme offers vital financial support to many Pakistani women and families. To ensure you get these benefits safely and securely, married women must register in person at official BISP centers with proper documents and biometric verification.
Don’t fall for misinformation or shortcuts like SMS registration—it won’t work and may lead to delays or rejection.
If you qualify, take the right steps:
- Visit your nearest BISP registration center.
- Bring your original CNIC and other required documents.
- Complete the biometric and survey process.
Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t miss your chance to benefit from BISP’s support.
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