BISP chairperson discusses Hunarmand programme with Salik

ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Rubina Khalid, met with Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Wednesday to brief him on the upcoming Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP) and formally invite him to its launch ceremony on June 21.

During the meeting, Senator Rubina Khalid shared the vision and design of BHP. She said that in a country with a growing young population and limited employment options, BHP is a strategic intervention to equip poor families with the tools to build better future. The programme 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, in 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 Programme (BHP) with international job opportunities through its networks, including the Overseas Employment Corporation and licensed foreign employment promoters.

Salik Hussain also committed to sharing relevant international job market data with BISP so the 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. They agreed to institutionalise the partnership between BISP and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to ensure long-term collaboration. They also 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.

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 Programme 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.