ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, met with Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, at his office today to brief him on the upcoming Benazir Hunarmand Program (BHP) and formally invite him to its launch ceremony at the Awan-e-Sadr on June 21.
During the meeting, Senator Rubina Khalid shared the vision and design of BHP, a key initiative aimed at providing market-driven, competency-based skills to BISP beneficiaries and their family members. She said that in a country with a growing young population and limited employment options, especially for the underprivileged, skills development is the need of the hour. BHP is a timely and strategic intervention to equip poor families with the tools they need to build better futures through decent work.
The Chairperson explained that the program not only focuses on local job opportunities but also prepares trainees for employment in the international labour market, particularly in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. She stressed that skills training under BHP would be aligned with demand from overseas markets, including trades like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and IT.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain appreciated the Chairperson’s vision of moving beyond financial aid to empowerment through skills. “This is a step in the right direction. Instead of only giving financial support, BISP is now offering opportunities that can truly change lives by helping people stand on their own feet,” he said.
He assured full support from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to help connect graduates of the Benazir Hunarmand Program (BHP) with international job opportunities through its networks, including the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) and licensed foreign employment promoters.
The Minister also committed to sharing relevant international job market data with BISP during the training phase, so that BHP participants can be trained in high-demand skills that match global needs. He further emphasized the importance of partnering with training institutions whose certifications are recognized internationally, to ensure that BHP graduates are competitive and employable in the global workforce.
Both leaders agreed to institutionalise the partnership between BISP and the Ministry to ensure long-term collaboration. They decided to nominate focal persons from both organisations to coordinate efforts, identify overseas demand, align training accordingly, and ensure smooth follow-up and placement support.
This collaboration is expected to create pathways to employment for thousands of low-income families, helping them break the cycle of poverty and become active contributors to the economy. It also reflects a shared commitment to investing in human capital and making Pakistan’s workforce competitive at both national and global levels.
The Benazir Hunarmand Program will be officially launched at a high-level event at the Presidency on June 21, with participation from key government officials, international partners, training institutions, and private sector representatives.
