Senator Rubina Khalid emphasizes BISP’s commitment to improving the lives of its beneficiaries

ISLAMABAD, March 20 (SABAH): Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), presided over an important meeting on Thursday at BISP Headquarters to discuss the Skill Development of BISP beneficiaries under the Benazir Hunarmand programme. The meeting was attended by BISP consultants and representatives from the CI and NSER wings.

In her opening remarks, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized BISP’s commitment to improving the lives of its beneficiaries. She said that we are not only providing assistance to ease their lives but also working to enhance their livelihoods and increase their income. We understand that acquiring valuable skills leads to better opportunities and higher incomes. What sets us apart is our focus on not just offering training, but ensuring that the trained youth are fully equipped and employable in the job market, she added.

Senator Rubina Khalid also quoted the famous words of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, stating, ‘Skill is your asset.’ She highlighted that skill is the only asset no one can steal and that it plays a crucial role in the economic empowerment of a family. The discussion focused on the awareness strategy and mobilization of beneficiaries, marking the start of a revolutionary initiative aimed at empowering BISP beneficiaries.

The Benazir Hunarmand programme, part of BISP’s efforts to empower marginalized communities, aims to equip youth, especially women, with essential skills for economic upliftment, poverty reduction, and increased workforce participation.

Until 2023, skill training was not part of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) education stipend programme. In 2024, BISP developed and approved a strategy to incorporate skills training for youth within the programme. In 2026, BISP will sign a performance-based agreement with two public sector skill training providers to launch initiaives in four districts.  By 2027, the programme will expand to cities like Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, enrolling 2,500 students in six-month TVET courses, further broadening its impact.