ADB Mission visits BISP, discusses modalities of Integrated Social Protection Development

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT: : Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), has underscored the importance of introducing a quality, international-standard skill training programme for Benazir Income Support Programme beneficiaries and their family members. During a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by Ms. Sofia Shakil, Director of Human and Social Development, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that this initiative aims to facilitate the poverty graduation of beneficiary families, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
The meeting, held at the Benazir Income Support Programme Headquarters today, included notable participants such as Ms. Xin Long, Co-Mission Leader/Principal Social Protection Specialist and Mr. Omer Bin Zia, Senior Social Protection Officer.
Senator Rubina Khalid also highlighted the critical need for human resource development, emphasizing to focus on skills and certifications that are in high demand internationally, such as healthcare and hospitality management. “By equipping our beneficiaries with these skills, we aim to open up employment opportunities abroad, thereby enhancing their socio-economic prospects,” she stated.
Ms. Sofia Shakil acknowledged the significance of skill development, praising Benazir Income Support Programme’s dynamic and institutionalized mechanisms. She expressed ADB’s commitment for expanding its support on the supply side and looked forward to enhance collaboration with BISP on education, health and nutrition particularly at the provincial level.
Earlier, the ADB’s fact-finding mission also met with Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, to discuss the modalities for additional financing of the Integrated Social Protection Development Programme. Mr. Laisiasa Tora, Principal Public Sector Specialist, gave a detailed briefing on the programme. Secretary BISP emphasized the importance of utilizing the Benazir Income Support Programme’s NSER database and expansion of the Adolescent Girls’ Programme.