It’s one of the most common concerns among beneficiaries: you complete your biometric verification successfully, yet your Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payment still shows as “Pending.”

Naturally, this causes stress. But in most cases, the issue is technical or related to phased disbursement, not cancellation.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to understand why this happens and what you should do next.

Why Does Payment Show “Pending” After Biometric Verification?

When your thumb verification is marked successful, it only confirms identity authentication. It does not always mean the money has been instantly credited.

There are three primary reasons for the delay:

1. System synchronization delay between NADRA and partner banks.
2. Phase-wise district release schedule.
3. Temporary technical hold in NSER or CNIC data.

Understanding this difference is important before taking further action.

Step 1: Wait for the Official 8171 SMS

After biometric verification, funds typically reflect within 24 to 48 hours.

The Golden Rule

Do not visit a retailer, campsite, or bank until you receive a fresh confirmation SMS from 8171 confirming that your payment is ready for withdrawal.

If the system has not fully updated, agents will show zero balance even if biometric was successful.

Important Security Warning

BISP only sends messages from 8171.
If you receive a message from any personal mobile number asking for money or personal information, it is a scam.

Never share:

• CNIC photos
• OTP codes
• Thumbprint scans
• SIM details

Step 2: Check Your Status on the 8171 Web Portal

Sometimes SMS messages are delayed due to network issues. You can check your live status online.

How to Check:

1. Visit the official 8171 Web Portal.
2. Enter your 13-digit CNIC number.
3. Enter the captcha code displayed.
4. Click submit.

Understanding the Status Messages:

• “Raqam Muntaqil ho chuki hai”
  This means your payment has been transferred. You can withdraw funds.
• “Janr-pari hai” (Under Process)
  Payment has not yet been released. Wait for your phase.
• “No Record Found”
  Your NSER data may require updating.

If the portal confirms transfer, but the agent shows zero balance, recheck immediately before leaving the center.

Step 3: Understand Phase-Wise Release (February 2026 – Rs. 13,500 Installment)

The February 2026 installment of Rs. 13,500 is being released in phases.

Currently:

• First phase covers 53 priority districts.
• Second and third phases are scheduled later in the month.

If your district is not included in the first batch, your status will remain pending even if biometric is complete.

This is not a rejection. It simply means your district’s turn has not yet arrived.

Always verify your district’s schedule before assuming a problem.

Step 4: Visit the BISP Tehsil Office (If Delay Exceeds 3 Days)

If:

• More than 72 hours have passed
• Biometric is marked successful
• 8171 portal still shows pending

Then visit your nearest BISP Tehsil Office.

Ask the officer to check your:

• NSER profile
• CNIC validity
• Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
• Eligibility score

Common Technical Blocks

1. Expired CNIC
2. Fingerprint data mismatch
3. Family record discrepancy
4. Dynamic survey not updated

Even small mismatches can temporarily freeze payment.

Step 5: What to Do If There Is a Fingerprint Mismatch

If the machine fails to verify your thumb or marks repeated mismatch:

• Visit NADRA to update fingerprints.
• If fingerprints are permanently unclear (common among elderly), request face verification.

Biometric authentication depends on NADRA database accuracy.

Step 6: Lodge a Formal Complaint (If Necessary)

If an agent claims:

• “Machine is not working”
• “Your balance is zero” despite portal confirmation
• Demands illegal deduction

You can file a complaint immediately.

Official Channels:

• BISP Toll-Free Helpline: 0800-26477
• PTA Complaint (SIM or mobile wallet issue): 0800-55055
• District WhatsApp complaint numbers (available at Tehsil offices)

Always keep:

• CNIC copy
• SMS screenshot
• Date and location of biometric verification

Transparency reforms now allow faster complaint resolution.

Common Problems and Solutions

Issue	Recommended Action
Biometric done but no SMS	Wait 48 hours for 8171 message
Portal says “No Record”	Update dynamic survey at BISP office
Agent says “Zero Balance”	Recheck status on 8171 portal
Fingerprint mismatch	Update biometric at NADRA
Payment stuck over 3 days	Visit Tehsil office immediately

Why System Delays Happen

The payment process involves multiple integrations:

1. NADRA biometric verification
2. BISP central database update
3. Bank or mobile wallet credit
4. Retail agent disbursement system

If even one step lags behind, the payment may temporarily show pending.

These are usually technical, not eligibility-related issues.

How to Avoid Future Delays

• Keep CNIC valid and renewed.
• Update NSER dynamic survey regularly.
• Ensure SIM is registered in your own CNIC.
• Avoid middlemen or unofficial agents.
• Always rely only on 8171 for communication.

Final Advice for Beneficiaries

If your biometric is successful, stay calm. In most cases, payment arrives within 48 hours or according to your district’s scheduled phase.

Do not panic.
Do not pay agents.
Do not trust unofficial messages.