thefridaynews 
BISP TO LAUNCH BENAZIR HUNARMAND PROGRAMME – A HISTORIC FIRST IN PAKISTAN’S HISTORY
President Asif Ali Zardari to Launch BISP Hunarmand Portal on June 21 — the Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto
BISP Will Not Only Assist Financially — It Will Help People Stand on Their Own Feet
Consultative Workshop with Friends of BISP Held at BISP Headquarters; Stakeholders from Chamber of Commerce, NGOs, and Development Partners Pledge Support
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative — the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, aimed at equipping BISP beneficiaries with skills for self-reliance and sustainable employment. This will be the first time in the history of Pakistan that a comprehensive skill development programme is being introduced under the BISP umbrella.
To mark this historic initiative, President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, will inaugurate the Benazir Hunarmand Portal on June 21, 2025, in honor of the birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a symbol of empowerment and dignity for the underprivileged.
“BISP is no longer just about financial assistance. With the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, we are enabling people to stand on their feet, build skills, and step out of the poverty cycle with dignity,” said Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, while addressing participants at the consultative workshop held at BISP Headquarters today.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders under the Friends of BISP platform, including representatives from the Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Pakistan, development partners such as WFP, WHO, GIZ, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). All participants welcomed the initiative and pledged full support for its successful execution.
Chairperson Rubina Khalid emphasized that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme is deeply rooted in the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who believed that “skill is your asset.”
“We are already improving lives through financial support, but now we aim to transform those lives by offering market-relevant, demand-driven skill development and international certifications,” she added.
Secretary BISP Mr. Amer Ali Ahmad also addressed the session and assured full institutional support for the programme, reaffirming BISP’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based, and people-centered development. In an open discussion stakeholders not only appreciated BISP’s innovative approach to poverty graduation but also expressed strong willingness to collaborate in program implementation, industry linkage, and employment facilitation.
About The Author
