Karachi: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Rubina Khalid, visited the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board (BBSHRD) in Karachi to review ongoing skills development initiatives and explore further collaboration aimed at improving employment opportunities for deserving families.
During the visit, the chairperson was briefed by BBSHRD officials on current projects, vocational training programmes and future plans designed to enhance employability among beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme. The discussions focused on expanding skills training under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme and strengthening institutional cooperation between BISP and BBSHRD.
Officials informed the meeting that registration for skills training in Sindh has been completed for more than 5,000 individuals from BISP beneficiary households, exceeding the initially set target of 3,000. The programmes aim to equip participants with market-relevant skills to promote self-reliance and access to dignified employment.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Rubina Khalid said skills development was a central pillar of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision, recalling her belief that “skills are a person’s true capital.” She noted that demand for skilled labour is increasing globally and stressed the need to prepare youth and women according to modern labour market requirements.
She said effective coordination among government institutions is essential to maximise the impact of available resources and reach a greater number of deserving individuals. The BISP chairperson emphasised prioritising sectors such as hospitality, healthcare and residential services, citing strong employment potential both within Pakistan and abroad.
Highlighting the role of awareness, she said the importance of skills training must be effectively communicated to the public, particularly through digital platforms. She also stressed the need for internationally recognised certifications within training programmes to facilitate overseas employment opportunities.
The visit was attended by Director General BISP Sindh Sanaullah Rind, BISP Outreach Consultant Naveed Khan, and other relevant officials. The meeting concluded with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
