Introduction: Free Money from the Government?
Yes, It’s Real.
Access to financial support can be truly life changing in a country where millions of people continuously clash with economic hardship. Whether it is to help start a small business, pay for education, better housing, or keep pace with inflation, the Government of Pakistan has initiated several welfare or grant based programs specifically aimed at empowering low-income families, and individuals.
Here is the catch… many people don’t even know that they exist, let alone the steps to apply.
This guide will introduce you to 7 government schemes in Pakistan distributing “free money” or non repayable financial support. They are not loans, and you do not have to repay them. These welfare schemes have been created with the support of Public Departments to alleviate poverty, create self-employment, support education, and improve quality of life.
Let’s uncover these opportunities so you can benefit…or help someone else get what is owed to them.
1. Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)
Overview:
(BISP) Program Started in 2008 by Benazir Bhutto.It is Pakistan’s most well known money transfer program. It provides unconditional financial help to the poorest families, especially womens.
What You Get:
- Quarterly payments (currently Rs. 10,500 per family every 3 months)
- Special emergency assistance in times of inflation or disaster
Eligibility:
- Verified through National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)
- Must belong to the lowest income brackets
Real Life Example:
Shazia, a girl from Multan receives BISP funds regularly and uses them to buy food and pay her daughter’s school fees.
2. Ehsaas Kafalat Program
Overview:
A flagship welfare program under the Ehsaas initiative, this scheme offers monthly stipends and bank accounts for financial inclusion of low-income women.
What You Get:
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 2,333 (Rs. 7,000 quarterly)
Eligibility:
- Must have a valid CNIC
How to Apply in this Program:
Send Your CNIC number to 8171.
3. Kamyab Jawan Program (Now Part of PM Youth Programme)
Overview:
While this program includes soft loans, it also offers fully funded skill development and grants for youth-led startups.
What You Get:
- Up to Rs. 500,000 in non-repayable seed grants (select categories)
- Free vocational training under NAVTTC and Skill for All (Hunarmand Jawan) program
Eligibility:
- Age 18-35
- Pakistani CNIC holder
- Must have a viable business idea or interest in skills training
Real Life Example:
Imran from Kharian trained in mobile phone repair for free, and later got Rs. 300,000 in grant money to open his own shop.
4. Punjab Rozgar Scheme(Specially for unemployed)
Overview:
This program, which was started by the Punjabi government, offers grants and interest-free loans to young people without jobs and small company owners. Although loans are widespread, partial grants are frequently given to women and unique individuals.
What You Get:
- Financial aid up to Rs. 100,000–Rs. 500,000 (some non-repayable depending on category)
- Free business registration and training support
Eligibility:
- Resident of Punjab
- Must present a business idea or income generation plan
- Priority for women, disabled, and youth
5. Ehsaas emergency cash program
Even though this program began during the pandemic of COVID-19 the program is still supporting families who are experiencing a natural or an economic disaster with “One Time Help” cash assistance
What You Get:
- One time cash assistance of Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 25,000, depending on need and location
- Distribution via biometric verification through NADRA
Eligibility:
- Income loss due to crisis (floods, pandemic, inflation)
- Verified through 8171 Ehsaas Portal
6. Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Scheme
Overview:
PBM offers direct financial assistance to the most deserving individuals for medical treatment, education, shelter, and marriage support.
What You Get:
- Up to Rs. 100,000 in education or medical grants
- Support for widows and orphans
- Free residential and vocational services in Dar-ul-Ehsaas centers
Eligibility:
- Must be below the poverty line.
- Must verified by DSP or local government offices.
How to Apply:
Visit the nearest PBM office with supporting documents (CNIC, bills, prescriptions, fee challans).
7. Prime Minister’s (For Students)
This scheme helps students from underdeveloped areas of Pakistan study for free at universities by reimbursing their fees directly to the institution.
- Full or partial reimbursement of tuition fees
- Covers bachelor’s, master’s, MPhil, and Ph.D. students
Eligible Regions Include:
- Balochistan
- FATA (Merged Districts)
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Interior Sindh
- South Punjab
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (certain districts)
Bonus Tip : Don’t Fall In Scams For easy money
- Always verify schemes on official government websites such as:
- www.pass.gov.pk
- www.bisp.gov.pk
- www.ehsaas.punjab.gov.pk
- www.nser.nadra.gov.pk
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Claim Your Benefits
The government of Pakistan has launched many strong programs to help its citizens most in need financially. Some of these programs are under funded or mis propagated, but they are real, they are legal, and they help – if you can find them.
You can find a variety of supporting programs: cash support, fee exemptions, skill training, business grants etc. The support is out there waiting, even in some cases, support to get a loan. The challenge is not just to know, it is also to be ahead of the first hurdle – the application.
Call to Action:
If you found this article helpful, then do the honorable thing and share it to WhatsApp (or Facebook) or send it to a family member who may benefit from this assistance.
And just to be clear, this is your money. These programs are funded with your tax rupees. You should be taking your money, not shame.