Note: This is an unofficial informational guide. We are not the government and not affiliated with BISP. Always confirm details on the official portal: bisp.gov.pk.
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life — from pregnancy to the second birthday — decide much about their future health and learning ability. The Benazir Nashonuma Program, run under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), exists for exactly this window: it supports pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under two years of age from low-income families with nutrition assistance and health guidance.
This guide explains what Nashonuma offers, who can benefit, how to enroll at a Nashonuma center, and what documents you need.
Quick Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Benazir Nashonuma, under BISP (Government of Pakistan) |
| Who it serves | Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 2 years |
| What you get | Nutrition support and health checkups (exact package announced by BISP — confirm current details officially) |
| Where to enroll | Benazir Nashonuma Centers, usually at government hospitals |
| Cost | Free — no fee is ever charged |
| Official website | bisp.gov.pk |
What Is the Nashonuma Program?
Nashonuma (which means “nourishment” or “growth”) is BISP’s conditional support program aimed at preventing stunting and malnutrition in young children. Instead of only giving cash, the program combines financial support with:
- Regular health checkups for the mother and child
- Growth monitoring (weight and height tracking) for children under two
- Awareness sessions on breastfeeding, hygiene, and balanced diet
- Specialized nutritious food for mothers and children, as per the program’s current design
The “conditional” part matters: continued support is linked to attending the scheduled checkups and sessions. This is how the program makes sure the help actually reaches the child’s health.
Who Qualifies?
Nashonuma is designed for families already connected with BISP’s support system. In general:
- The mother must be a registered BISP beneficiary (or from a household registered in the NSER survey).
- She must be currently pregnant, or breastfeeding a child under two years of age.
- The child covered under the program must be under two years old.
Program rules and priority groups can be updated by BISP, so confirm the current eligibility criteria at your nearest Nashonuma center or on bisp.gov.pk before visiting.
How to Enroll: Step by Step
- Find your nearest Benazir Nashonuma Center. These centers operate at selected government health facilities (often DHQ and THQ hospitals). Ask at your nearest BISP tehsil office or check bisp.gov.pk for the center list.
- Visit the center in person. The mother herself should go — registration involves a basic health screening.
- Bring your documents (full checklist below). Staff will verify your BISP registration and identity.
- Complete the health screening. Staff record the mother’s health details, and for children, weight and height measurements.
- Get your follow-up schedule. You will be told when to return for checkups, growth monitoring, and awareness sessions. Keep this schedule safe.
- Attend every scheduled visit. Your continued support depends on attending the checkups — missed visits without a valid reason can pause your benefits.
Tip: Go early in the day. Nashonuma centers, like most government health facilities, are less crowded in the morning, and staff can give you more time.
Documents Checklist
Carry originals plus one photocopy of each:
- Mother’s valid CNIC
- Child’s B-Form (issued by NADRA) — for children being registered
- Mother’s antenatal/pregnancy record or hospital card (if pregnant)
- Proof of BISP registration (your BISP beneficiary record or 8171 status)
- Any previous Nashonuma visit card, if you are returning for follow-up
If any document is missing, ask the center staff what alternatives they accept — do not pay any agent to “arrange” documents for you.
How Is the Support Given?
Nashonuma support is provided on a quarterly cycle, linked to your attendance at checkups and sessions. The exact package — cash amount, food items, and schedule — is set by BISP and can change between phases. Do not rely on amounts quoted on social media or WhatsApp forwards. The only reliable figure is the one announced by BISP itself or told to you at the center.
Payments, where applicable, are collected through the same channels as other BISP payments (designated banks, retailers, or campsites as announced). You will never be asked to pay a fee to receive your support.
⚠️ Scam Warning
Nashonuma enrollment is free and happens only at official Nashonuma centers. Be alert:
- No one from BISP will call or message you asking for money, “registration fees,” or OTP codes.
- Do not trust agents who promise enrollment in exchange for payment.
- Only trust information from bisp.gov.pk, the 8171 SMS service, or staff at official centers.
- If someone demands money, note their name and number and report it (see the helpline below).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nashonuma the same as Benazir Kafaalat?
No. Kafaalat is BISP’s main cash support for eligible women. Nashonuma is an additional, separate program focused on the nutrition of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under two. A family can benefit from both if eligible.
Can I enroll if I am not a BISP beneficiary?
Nashonuma is linked to BISP registration. If your household is not registered, first complete the NSER survey registration at a BISP tehsil office, then ask about Nashonuma eligibility.
My child just turned two. Can I still enroll them?
The program covers children under two years of age. If your child has crossed that age, they are generally no longer eligible for new enrollment — but confirm at the center, as rules can be updated.
Where exactly are Nashonuma centers located?
They operate at selected government health facilities across Pakistan. The list can change as new centers open, so check bisp.gov.pk or ask at your BISP tehsil office for the nearest one.
What happens if I miss a scheduled checkup?
Support is conditional on attendance. One missed visit with a genuine reason can usually be explained at your next visit, but repeated absence can pause your benefits. If you cannot attend, inform the center in advance if possible.
Is there any fee for registration or checkups?
No. Registration, checkups, and sessions are completely free. Anyone asking for money is running a scam.
How do I complain about staff behavior or a problem at a center?
Contact the BISP helpline at 0800-26477 (toll-free) or use the complaint channels listed on bisp.gov.pk.
Verify Before Acting
Program packages, center lists, and eligibility rules change over time. Before visiting a center, confirm the latest details on the official BISP website (bisp.gov.pk) or by calling the toll-free helpline 0800-26477. This guide is for information only and is not an official announcement.
