Haripur, January 27, 2026 — Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, on Tuesday visited the Pak-Austria Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology to explore partnership opportunities aimed at expanding skill development and vocational training for BISP beneficiaries under the Benazir Hunarmand Program.
The visit focused on assessing how technical institutions can support BISP’s shift toward skills-led poverty graduation by equipping beneficiaries and their family members with employable competencies. Discussions centered on designing demand-driven training and diploma programs aligned with labor market needs.
Senator Rubina Khalid was received by Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mujahid and senior officials of PAF-IAST, who briefed her on the institute’s academic framework, industry-linked education model, and training infrastructure. She also toured laboratories, classrooms, and residential facilities to evaluate the institute’s capacity for hosting large-scale training initiatives.
Speaking during the visit, the BISP chairperson underlined the importance of youth-focused skill development, describing technical education as a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods. She stressed that vocational programs should integrate work ethics, soft skills, and employability competencies to ensure long-term economic impact.
Ms. Zainab Azmat, Head of the Human Capital Development Office at PAF-IAST, informed participants that the institute currently offers 12 short training programs and four diploma courses in hospitality, healthcare, and information technology. She noted that the programs are certified by City & Guilds (UK) and include language and soft skills components.
Both institutions agreed to further explore the development of customised courses tailored specifically for BISP beneficiaries under the Benazir Hunarmand Program. The meeting was also attended by DG BISP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Alaf Jan Afridi and members of the program’s implementation team.
Officials described the engagement as an important step toward strengthening collaboration between social protection initiatives and technical education providers, with the aim of promoting inclusive human capital development and employment-oriented skills across Pakistan.
