EVALUATING THE ROLE OF CASH TRANSFERS THROUGH THE BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN PROMOTING EDUCATION AMONG CHILDREN OF RECIPIENTS

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on vulnerable households in Baltistan, a remote and underdeveloped region in northern Pakistan. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, it focuses on the educational struggles experienced by families reliant on BISP funds. While the programme provides much-needed financial assistance, the support is often insufficient to cover the full range of educational expenses, such as tuition fees, school supplies, and transportation costs. Despite these limitations, many families prioritize their children's education, making personal and economic sacrifices to keep them in school. Parents view education not only as a basic right but as a critical opportunity for upward social mobility and long-term economic security. The findings of this research emphasize both the resilience of low-income households and the structural challenges they continue to face. It calls for enhanced policy measures, including increased funding and targeted educational support, to make quality education more accessible for economically disadvantaged communities in Baltistan.