It is high time to use e-commerce for benefit of poor women: Khurram

First exhibition of beneficiary hand-embroidered shawls and BISP e-commerce launched at Lok Virsa

Islamabad: The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ali Baba by the Prime Minister Muhamad Nawaz Sharif during his visit to China has added new dimensions to development of E-commerce industry in Pakistan and it is high time to use E-Commerce for the benefit of poor women.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastigir while speaking at the first exhibition of beneficiary hand embroidered shawls and BISP E-Commerce launched at Lok Virsa in collaboration with AHAN and TCS on Monday.

“It is heartening to see the poorest women being linked with E-Commerce by BISP. The advantages of E-Commerce and growing economy of Pakistan will help BISP beneficiaries to graduate out of poverty,” said Khurram Dastigir.

‘BISP brand shawls’ exhibition is part of BISP poverty graduation model, the pilot phase of which started three weeks back by inviting BISP regional Assistant Directors from all across the country  to BISP headquarters. They were entrusted with the task to find skilled beneficiaries good at embroidery in their respective areas. As a result 120 traditional shawls made by beneficiaries from Haripur, Kohat, Swabi, Nowshera, Swat, D.I khan (KPK), Thatta, Sujawal, Karachi, (Sindh), Renala Khurd, Mianwali, Gujrat, Bahawalpur (Punjab), Skardu, Astore, Nagar (Gilgit-Baltistan), Bhimber, Muzafarabad, Poonch, Neelum ( AJK), Qilla Abdullah, Quetta, Sibbi and Loralai (Balochistan) were received that were displayed at the exhibition. These shawls can also be ordered online at TCS yayvo.com launched by Commerce Minister. The entire amount received from sale of shawls will go directly to beneficiaries.

Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil khan Bizenjo, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid , Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Engr Baligh-ur-Rehman, Special Assistant to PM on Human Rights Barrister Zafarullah Khan and a number of foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, parliamentarians, government officials, civil society, media and public attended the event. The exhibition showcasing BISP Brand shawls will continue till June 23, 2017.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State and Chairperson BISP MNA Marvi Memon said that BISP is trying to come up with graduation strategies that are most relevant, economical and productive. “Through the provision of E-Commerce platform, BISP aims at harnessing entrepreneurial potential of its beneficiaries. This exhibition will not only preserve the tradition but
promote work of rural women as well, thus helping them graduate out of poverty.”

She added that in the FY 2017-18, BISP beneficiary families who are willing to start their own businesses will be provided with training as well as a one-time cash grant of Rs.50,000 to start their own business and become productive members of society. Initially, this grant is proposed to be provided to 250,000 families that will enable them to graduate out of poverty.

Famous Designer Sonya Batla who served as a master judge, appreciated BISP for bringing out the talent of the rural women to the world. She chose twelve best shawls from different provinces and regions and offered the winners to work with Sonya Batla brand.

Chairperson BISP expressed hope that the exhibition would receive positive response from the community and reiterated that it is a quality purchase that would help poor women, thus contributing in poverty alleviation. She added that the shawls are priced between Rs 3000 t0 Rs 5000  and a single time sale of a shawl would make beneficiary earn as much amount as she gets in form of quarterly stipend. She urged public to encourage this initiative and play their part as responsible citizens.

While appreciating the initiative, Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil khan Bizenjo said promotion of Pakistani traditional crafts through E-Commerce would help poorest women in standing on their own feet, thus curbing poverty. Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr Fouzia Saeed, Regional Director TCS Masood and AHAN representative spoke on the occasion and appreciated the BISP for its noble work and assured of full cooperation and support.