ISLAMABAD June 18, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari is all set to unveil the Benazir Hunarmand Portal under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on June 21, aligning the launch with the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The initiative is a major leap forward in skill-building and economic inclusion for low-income families across Pakistan.
The Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP) aims to equip beneficiaries with practical, market-relevant vocational training to reduce poverty and increase self-reliance. A key highlight of the program is the allocation of 50% of all training seats to women, reaffirming BISP’s ongoing commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
BHP marks a transformative shift in BISP’s strategy—from traditional cash support to structured skill development that promises lasting socioeconomic impact. According to BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid, this initiative is a milestone in enabling financial independence for vulnerable communities.
In preparation for the launch, BISP leadership—alongside Chairperson Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad—hosted a strategic consultative workshop attended by stakeholders from the Friends of BISP alliance. The platform included development partners such as WFP, WHO, GIZ, chambers of commerce, and both local and international NGOs. Stakeholders pledged robust support through internships, employment pipelines, and industry linkages for BHP graduates.
“This is not just a launch; it is the beginning of a powerful change,” said Rubina Khalid. “We are offering more than skills—we are offering dignity, opportunity, and economic freedom.” She emphasized that artisans will be trained and connected with digital and local markets to monetize their crafts sustainably.
Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad lauded the collaborative spirit of the workshop, stating that sustainable development requires unified efforts from public and private sectors. “The Hunarmand Programme signifies a strategic shift toward long-term growth and capacity building,” he remarked.
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As the nation prepares for the launch, the Benazir Hunarmand Programme stands as a living tribute to the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, honoring her vision of a dignified, empowered, and self-sufficient Pakistan.
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