President Zardari launches Benazir Hunarmand Programme for needy families

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, a skill development and empowerment programme for poor families, at a ceremony held in Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday.

Addressing the occasion, the President emphasized the importance of education and skill development, adding that every household should be provided with learning and educational tools.

He stated that the BISP was premised on the philosophy of Zulfikar Bhutto whose legacy was continued by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who had faith in inclusive prosperity and education for everyone. “We are committed to fulfilling her vision for the uplift of marginalized sections of society,” the President declared. The First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also attended the inauguration of the programme.

Emphasizing the significance of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, President Zardari pointed out that the development of skills was not only important for national advancement but also for creating a skilled workforce to cater to the increasing needs in the global market. “We need to impart our youth with advanced technical skills required internationally,” he added.

He especially emphasized the importance of the nursing career, describing it as one of the most in–demand professions globally, and advocated that special emphasis should be laid on training in the field.

President Zardari also emphasized acquiring foreign languages in conjunction with contemporary skills to make our youth eligible to find employment in foreign markets.

Reminiscing about his past term, the President reminded that he had initiated the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which had become a pillar of social protection in Pakistan.

The President appreciated former Finance Minister Naveed Qamar, recognizing his supportive role in the initiation and implementation of BISP. He stated, “Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will be enhanced further and additional programmes will be introduced.”

The President stated that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme is a testament to that legacy, one that seeks to elevate communities through empowerment and opportunity. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing the youth of Pakistan with the skills, education, and opportunities required to create a prosperous nation.

The President announced June 21 to be a significant day for the Pakistan People‘s Party as it marked the birthday of Benazir Bhutto .”It is also a day of grief because we lost Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who led us with her wisdom and vision,” he continued.

Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Senator Rubina Khalid stated Benazir Income Support (BISP), having been in operation for 17 years, was now the biggest social protection scheme. Women had been made head of the family under the scheme and were given financial assistance for their 10 million households, she further added.

BISP was also at the front to provide timely financial assistance to flood victims of 2022 and the COVID pandemic, she added.

She added that BISP had never been just a safety net, but an assurance of inclusion, dignity, and change for individuals, particularly women. Benazir Hunarmand Programme, utilizing the database of BISP, will produce an empowered and independent citizenry, which will be able to engage productively in economic activities, she further elucidated.

The program, she added, would provide pragmatic and need-based training in various areas, facilitating critical economic and social transformation and inducing poverty reduction. She added that BISP was a world-renowned social protection model, which other nations wanted to replicate.

She appreciated BISP partners, including the German government, for providing valuable assistance for various development projects.

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, and senior officers attended the ceremony.

Cake was also sliced on the occasion to mark the birthday of Benazir Bhutto.