Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Wednesday attended a seminar titled ‘Sustainable Ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs’ that was organised by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) at a hotel.
Held as part of the Growth for Rural Advancement & Sustainable Progress (GRASP) initiative, the event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector and grassroots communities to promote inclusive economic development through women’s empowerment.
In her keynote address, the PPAF’s CEO highlighted the transformative potential of supporting rural women entrepreneurs. “Our goal is to create an environment where women are supported through not just access to finance but also mentorship, digital tools and strong market linkages.” She emphasised that more than 15,000 jobs have been created through this initiative, showcasing the vast potential of women in agriculture, enterprise and community development.
She also stressed the importance of developing full value chains, and equipping rural women with the knowledge and capacity to meet European Union export standards, positioning Pakistan for greater international competitiveness.
Sindh Minister for Women Development Shaheena Sher Ali delivered an address on the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in the empowerment journey. “The women of Sindh are not waiting for change — they are leading it. When we invest in women, we invest in families, in communities, and in the future of Pakistan.”
She said that through collaboration with the federal government and initiatives like GRASP, we can ensure that rural women are no longer left behind. She added a crucial dimension to the conversation by emphasising the role of men: “We must also educate and empower our men — fathers, brothers and husbands — who often play a pivotal role in supporting their daughters and families.”
She pointed out that there are many unsung heroes who have stood up to feudal systems and Jirgas, challenging regressive norms so their daughters can go to school, run businesses and participate in society. “These men are setting an example, and they too deserve our recognition and support as allies in this movement for gender equity.”
In his concluding remarks, Khichi praised the collective efforts and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to women’s development. “We will provide every necessary facility and extend full support at federal level to help the women of our country thrive.”
He said that listening to the panellists, and especially the contributions of Shaheena, it is clear we are on the right path. “What is needed now is sustained national support, and in doing so, we will unlock far-reaching benefits for our country.”
Sindh’s legacy
Khichi also called on Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor House. The meeting included a detailed discussion on the preservation of national heritage, the establishment of cultural centres and museums, and enhancing cultural cooperation with the federal government.
Tessori said Sindh’s culture is a shining aspect of the nation’s identity, and practical steps are being taken to preserve it. He said national heritage is not only a memory of the past but also a beacon for the future.
He emphasised that Quaid-e-Azam’s office and personal belongings preserved at the Governor House are treated with great reverence as part of the national heritage. He pointed out that the Governor House is not merely a building but a symbol of history, awareness and public engagement, and remains open to all.
The federal minister noted that Sindh’s civilisational legacy is a valuable asset of Pakistan, and highlighted the importance of promoting the ideology, simplicity and principled leadership of the nation’s founder for guiding future generations.