No Blank Cheques: Rana Sanaullah Halts BISP Flood Relief Amid Corruption Fears, Demands Sweeping Reforms

In a significant declaration emphasizing accountability and transparency, Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, has unequivocally rejected the involvement of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in any future flood relief operations. His stance comes with a stringent condition: BISP must undergo comprehensive reforms and a thorough audit to address persistent allegations of widespread corruption and the misuse of vital aid funds.

Sanaullah's firm directive is rooted in the bitter experiences of the devastating 2022 floods, where BISP was tasked with distributing Rs25,000 to each affected family.

Regrettably, the well-intentioned initiative was marred by allegations of fraud and embezzlement. Reports surfaced that a substantial portion of the allocated funds never reached the intended beneficiaries. Vulnerable families, already reeling from the catastrophic floods, reportedly received only a fraction of the promised amount, with the remainder allegedly siphoned off by unscrupulous individuals within the system.

These disturbing reports painted a grim picture of systemic failure and betrayal of public trust.

Highlighting these grave concerns, Sanaullah declared, "There will be no blank cheques for BISP anymore. Before it can be entrusted with such a critical responsibility again, every single rupee must be accounted for, and a robust, transparent system must be put in place." He stressed that until these reforms are implemented and an independent audit verifies the program's integrity, BISP would remain sidelined from critical relief efforts.

The Adviser articulated a clear vision for future aid distribution: directly to the deserving families.

This approach, he believes, is the only way to circumvent intermediaries and prevent the siphoning off of funds, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most without dilution. "We cannot afford to let the suffering of our people be exploited for personal gain," he asserted, underscoring the government's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable sections of society.

Sanaullah also took the opportunity to address political criticisms, particularly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismissing them as politically motivated attempts to destabilize the government.

He maintained that while the opposition focuses on rhetoric, the current administration is dedicated to practical reforms and honest governance, especially concerning public welfare and disaster management. His comments reinforce the government's resolve to distinguish its approach from previous administrations, promising a new era of transparency and efficiency in aid distribution.

This decisive move by Rana Sanaullah signifies a strong commitment to combating corruption within aid mechanisms.

It sends a powerful message that accountability will not be compromised, even in times of national crisis. The demand for comprehensive BISP reforms and a transparent audit is a crucial step towards rebuilding public trust and ensuring that humanitarian aid truly serves its purpose: alleviating the suffering of flood-affected communities.