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The government will launch the Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP) under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) umbrella on June 21, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
President Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate the Hunarmand Portal at a special ceremony, marking a major milestone in transforming BISP from welfare support to long-term skill development.
BHP aims to provide market-driven vocational skills to low-income families, enabling economic empowerment and sustainable poverty reduction, with 50 percent of training opportunities specifically reserved for women.
According to a government press release, BHP is the first structured skill development initiative launched by BISP, building capacity among its beneficiaries through professional training and job market alignment.
Ahead of the launch, BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad held a high-level workshop with partners including chambers of commerce, UN agencies, and international NGOs.
Stakeholders, part of the “Friends of BISP” network, pledged employment, internships, and market linkages for programme graduates, reinforcing BHP’s role as a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable development.
Chairperson Rubina Khalid said this marks a strategic shift for BISP. “We are now empowering people with skills that create long-term independence. As Benazir Bhutto said, ‘Skill is your real wealth.’”
She added that artisans will also benefit from training and market access, helping them convert traditional crafts into steady income sources, promoting self-reliance and local entrepreneurship.
Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad highlighted the collaborative effort and emphasized inclusive growth, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships to achieve real, lasting impact for BISP-supported families.
The launch event will also serve as a tribute to Benazir Bhutto’s legacy of justice, dignity, and empowerment for Pakistan’s underprivileged, strengthening BISP’s mission in a new direction.
