Good news for BISP beneficiaries! The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially revised the process for Sahulat Accounts to make it easier for deserving families to receive their financial aid directly into their bank accounts. Under this system, BISP beneficiaries will have their bank accounts opened automatically and will receive clear instructions via SMS and web portal. From biometric verification to cheque or card-based withdrawals, everything has been made easier.
This detailed blog will help you understand the new process, how to check your account details, and how to activate it with ease.
Contents
- 1 What’s New in the Revised BISP Sahulat Account Framework?
- 2 What Is a BISP Sahulat Account?
- 3 Where Is the New System Available?
- 4 How Will You Know Which Bank Opened Your Account?
- 5 Step-by-Step Process to Open & Activate Your Sahulat Account
- 6 How to Activate the Account at the Bank
- 7 What Will You Get After Activation?
- 8 How to Receive & Withdraw Your BISP Payments?
- 9 Account Operations & Limitations
- 10 Bank Responsibilities & Support for Beneficiaries
- 11 FAQs – BISP Sahulat Account 2025
What’s New in the Revised BISP Sahulat Account Framework?
Feature | What’s Changed in 2025 |
Account Opening | Banks now receive verified data directly from BISP |
Activation Method | Biometric Verification (BV) or NADRA Verisys |
First Phase Cities | Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffargarh, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit |
Card/Cheque Issuance | Chequebook or PayPak card issued post-activation |
Withdrawal Options | Cheques or ATM (no off-us charges) |
Internet/Mobile Banking | Disabled for security |
Complaint Handling | 24/7 customer support via banks |
SMS/Web Portal | Beneficiaries notified of account details & visit schedule |
What Is a BISP Sahulat Account?
A Sahulat Account is a special low-risk bank account opened exclusively for BISP beneficiaries, allowing them to receive government financial aid directly. These accounts have no internet/mobile banking, making them simple and secure for low-income families who may not use smartphones or online services.
سہولت اکاؤنٹ ایک خاص کم رسک والا بینک اکاؤنٹ ہے جو خصوصی طور پر BISP کے مستفیدین کے لیے کھولا گیا ہے، جس سے وہ براہ راست سرکاری مالی امداد حاصل کر سکتے ہیں۔ ان اکاؤنٹس میں انٹرنیٹ/موبائل بینکنگ نہیں ہے، جو انہیں کم آمدنی والے خاندانوں کے لیے آسان اور محفوظ بناتے ہیں جو اسمارٹ فونز یا آن لائن خدمات استعمال نہیں کرسکتے ہیں۔
Where Is the New System Available?
The pilot phase has launched in the following cities:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Quetta
- Peshawar
- Muzaffargarh
- Muzaffarabad
- Gilgit
💡 Once this phase is successfully tested, the scheme will expand to more cities and rural districts across Pakistan.
How Will You Know Which Bank Opened Your Account?
BISP will launch:
- An SMS Service
- A Web Portal
By sending your CNIC number to the provided short code or entering it in the portal, you can find:
- The bank name
- Your designated branch
- The date and time to visit for activation and payments
Step-by-Step Process to Open & Activate Your Sahulat Account
Step 1: BISP Sends Your Info to the Bank
BISP will securely share your full name, CNIC, date of birth, and address (verified through NADRA) with selected banks.
Step 2: Bank Screens Your Data
Your data will be screened against international and national watchlists (e.g., UNSC, Anti-Terrorism Act) before opening an account.
🔹 Step 3: IBAN Generated
Your account will be opened at a specific branch chosen by BISP. An IBAN (account number) will be generated and sent back to BISP.
🔹 Step 4: You Get an SMS/Web Alert
You’ll be informed about:
- Which bank
- Which branch
- And when to visit the branch for activation
Also Read: BISP New Beneficiaries Payment Distribution – Latest July 2025 Update
How to Activate the Account at the Bank
What You Need to Bring:
- Original CNIC
At the Branch:
- The bank will verify you using Biometric Verification (BV)
- If BV fails (e.g., due to damaged fingerprints), the bank will use NADRA Verisys for verification
Additional Information Collected:
- CNIC issuance/expiry date
- Place of birth
- Father/spouse name
- Mother’s maiden name
- Mobile number (if available)
Consent Collection:
The bank will take your verbal consent (recorded in the system) for:
- FATCA/CRS compliance
- Acceptance of terms & conditions
- Use of your data for official and compliance purposes
What Will You Get After Activation?
- If BV was successful → A chequebook (minimum 5 leaves) will be issued
- If BV was not possible → A PayPak Debit Card will be issued
Banks will help generate your ATM PIN through:
- Call centers
- ATM machines
- SMS
- Web portal
💡 Your second visit to the branch (about 2 weeks later) will allow you to pick up your chequebook or debit card and withdraw your money.
How to Receive & Withdraw Your BISP Payments?
Funds Disbursement:
- After account activation, BISP will send your financial aid via RAAST or IBFT
- You’ll be notified when your funds are available
Withdrawal Options:
- With Cheque – Submit cheque with thumb impression in person
- With PayPak Card – Use any bank’s ATM (no charges)
🔒 Note: These accounts do not support internet or mobile banking to keep them safe and simple.
Account Operations & Limitations
- Operated under Branchless Banking Level 1 account rules
- No internet/mobile banking
- No ATM fees for off-us transactions
- BV-based cash withdrawals available through:
- Bank branches
- ATM machines
Bank Responsibilities & Support for Beneficiaries
To ensure your experience is smooth, banks are required to:
- Create a dedicated BISP support department
- Train staff to deal with BISP beneficiaries respectfully
- Handle complaints via 24/7 helplines
- Coordinate directly with BISP offices for issue resolution
Also Read: Govt Punjab E-Taxi Scheme Launch Date Announced 2025 Latest Update (Full Guide)
FAQs – BISP Sahulat Account 2025
Is this process automatic, or do I need to apply?
You don’t need to apply. If you’re a BISP beneficiary, the bank will open your account automatically and notify you.
Can I change my assigned branch?
Yes, if there’s no branch nearby, BISP/SBP may allow transfer to a closer branch or different bank.
Can I use this account for other transactions?
A: Basic usage is allowed as per Branchless Banking Level 1 rules, but internet/mobile banking is disabled.
What if I lose my card?
Immediately report to the bank helpline and request a replacement.