The Government of Pakistan has been working for many years to fight malnutrition, stunting, and poor maternal health across the country. One of the most impactful initiatives under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is the Benazir Nashonuma Program. Launched in 2020 with the support of the World Food Programme (WFP), this project focuses on improving the health of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under two years of age.
In 2025, the government announced major updates, funding expansion, and nationwide coverage for the Nashonuma Program. With this, millions of families in Pakistan can now receive financial support, nutritional supplements, awareness training, and health services. The program not only reduces stunting and underweight cases among children but also empowers mothers to raise healthy generations.
This article provides a complete guide on the Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025, including eligibility, benefits, the registration process, the latest government updates, and impact analysis.
Latest Updates of Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025
The 2025 updates bring new hope for low-income families in Pakistan. Here are the key highlights:
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Program Extension
- The government of Pakistan, in partnership with the WFP, has extended the Nashonuma Program until June 2026.
- Total investment has crossed US$453 million, with a fresh contribution of $194 million announced in 2024.
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Nationwide Expansion
- The program is now active in 157 districts across Pakistan, with new facilitation centers opening regularly.
- Over 2.5 million beneficiaries (pregnant women and children under two years) have already been served.
- Cash Assistance
- Eligible mothers receive quarterly cash stipends for attending health sessions and ensuring their child’s immunization.
- Cash is directly transferred via BISP payment centers or bank accounts.
- Nutrition & Health Services
- Free nutritional supplements for mothers and children.
- Regular weight monitoring and growth tracking of children.
- Immunization, medical check-ups, and awareness sessions for mothers.
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Facilitation Centers
- More than 550 Nashonuma facilitation centers have been established.
- These centers serve as hubs for registration, health check-ups, and cash disbursement.
Objectives of the Benazir Nashonuma Program
The main objectives of this program are
- Reduce stunting and undernutrition among children under 2 years.
- Improve maternal health and awareness regarding child care.
- Provide conditional cash transfers to encourage regular medical checkups and immunization.
- Promote healthy practices in rural and underdeveloped areas.
- Create a long-term impact on Pakistan’s human capital development.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
Not everyone can register under this program. The eligibility conditions are:
- Pregnant women belonging to low-income families registered with BISP.
- Lactating mothers (up to 6 months after childbirth).
- Children under the age of two years.
- Families must be verified beneficiaries of the BISP/Kafalat Program.
Registration Process for Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025
The registration process has been made easier in 2025:
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Visit Nashonuma Facilitation Center
- Locate the nearest facilitation center in your district.
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Bring Required Documents
- CNIC of mother/father.
- B-Form or Bay Form for child (if applicable).
- Proof of pregnancy (for expecting mothers).
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Biometric Verification
- NADRA biometric verification is required.
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Medical Checkup
- Weight, height, and health check-ups are conducted at the center.
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Registration Approval
- Once approved, the family is added to the beneficiary list.
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Cash Disbursement
- Mothers will receive quarterly cash stipends and free supplements.
Benefits of the Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025
The program provides both financial and health benefits:
- Quarterly cash stipend for pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Free nutritional food packs for mothers and children.
- Free health checkups at government hospitals/centers.
- Immunization support for children.
- Awareness sessions on child care, diet, and hygiene.
- Long-term prevention of malnutrition and stunting.
Impact of the Program
According to government and WFP reports:
- Stunting rates are reducing in targeted districts.
- More than 2.5 million mothers and children have benefited since 2020.
- Increased awareness about maternal health, child nutrition, and hygiene practices.
- The program is building a foundation for a healthier future generation in Pakistan.
Challenges in Implementation
Although successful, some challenges remain:
- Lack of awareness in remote villages.
- Cultural barriers prevent women from visiting health centers.
- Transportation issues for families in far-flung areas.
- Need for more trained staff and doctors at the facilitation centers.
The government is addressing these challenges by expanding centers, launching awareness campaigns, and increasing funding.
How to Check Eligibility & Status Online
In 2025, BISP introduced an online portal and SMS service for checking eligibility:
- SMS Service: Send your CNIC number to 8171 to confirm registration.
- Online Portal: Visit the official BISP website and enter your CNIC to check your status.
- Beneficiaries can also visit the nearest BISP/Nashonuma center for manual verification.
Future Plans of the Program
The government aims to:
- Expand coverage to all 170 districts by 2026.
- Increase the number of facilitation centers.
- Introduce a digital health record system for mothers and children.
- Partner with NGOs for wider awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The Benazir Nashonuma Program 2025 is a landmark initiative to fight malnutrition and improve maternal health in Pakistan. With expanded funding, wider coverage, and better health services, this program is helping millions of women and children. It not only addresses immediate health issues but also secures the future of Pakistan by ensuring healthier generations.
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