Under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, modern education and skills, including computer technology, will be taught so that individuals can support their families and serve the nation. Through the Skilled Program, German and Chinese languages will also be taught. Financial assistance is being provided to those receiving nursing training in Sindh, and under the Benazir Income Support Program, all rights, including education, are being granted to both boys and girls.

There is a demand for skilled labor abroad, and Pakistani-trained nurses can earn a respectable livelihood in the esteemed field of nursing. We must establish high training standards in this sector and incorporate global standards into the training process. The Benazir Skilled Program is a fulfillment of a promise. Through this program, the future of the youth will be secured, and they will be taught modern skills.

The Benazir Skilled Program is a fulfillment of a promise. Through the Benazir Skilled Program, the future of the youth will be secured, and they will be taught modern skills. Under the Benazir Income Support Program, millions of families are being supported. Aid was provided to the deserving during the floods of 2022 and the COVID pandemic through the Benazir Income Support Program. It is no longer just a program; it has now become a global model.

Benazir Hunarmand Programme: Empowering Pakistan Through Skills Training

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan’s flagship social safety net, is taking a transformative step toward sustainable poverty alleviation with the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme. Set to be inaugurated on June 21, 2025, by President Asif Ali Zardari, this initiative marks a significant shift from financial aid to skill-based empowerment. Coinciding with the birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the programme embodies her vision of dignity, empowerment, and social justice. This blog explores the programme’s objectives, features, and its potential to reshape the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan, with a special focus on empowering women and marginalised communities.

What is the Benazir Hunarmand Programme?

The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is a groundbreaking skills development initiative under BISP, designed to equip beneficiaries and their families with market-relevant vocational and technical skills. Unlike traditional cash transfer programs, this initiative focuses on fostering self-reliance by providing training that aligns with local and international job market demands. The programme aims to break the cycle of poverty by enabling participants to secure better employment opportunities or start their businesses, ultimately promoting long-term economic independence.

Benazir Hunarmand Programme Apply Online

First of all, register yourself at the Hunarmand Portal https://hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk/beneficiary.aspx, an online platform to streamline access to training resources, registration, and industry linkages. Please enter a valid Beneficiary CNIC (only numbers, up to 13 digits). By prioritising practical, demand-driven skills, the Benazir Hunarmand Programme seeks to empower Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women, who make up 50% of the training slots, reinforcing BISP’s commitment to gender equality.

A Vision Rooted in Empowerment

The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is deeply inspired by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s belief that “skill is your true asset.” As BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid emphasised, “BISP is no longer just about financial assistance. With the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, we are enabling people to stand on their feet, build skills, and step out of the poverty cycle with dignity.” This vision transforms BISP from a financial aid provider into a platform for sustainable empowerment, addressing not just immediate needs but long-term resilience.

The programme aligns with Pakistan’s broader goals of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty eradication and gender equality. By equipping individuals with marketable skills, BISP aims to uplift over 9.6 million families currently enrolled in its programs, with plans to expand to 10 million by the end of 2025.

Key Features of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme

The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is carefully designed to cater to diverse needs, offering a range of training modules to ensure accessibility and relevance. Here are some of its standout features:

1. Diverse Skill Training Modules

The programme offers training in various fields to meet both local and global market demands:

• Technical Skills: Courses in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry break gender stereotypes by encouraging women to enter traditionally male-dominated fields.

• Vocational Skills: Training in tailoring, beauty services, and handicrafts leverages existing interests, particularly among rural women, to create sustainable income sources.

• Information Technology: IT courses, including computer literacy, software use, and coding, prepare participants for the digital economy, opening doors to tech-related jobs.

• Artisan Support: Artisans will receive training and market linkages to sell their handmade products, turning crafts into viable livelihoods.

2. Focus on Women’s Empowerment

With 50% of training opportunities reserved for women, the programme prioritises gender inclusion. By equipping women with skills, BISP aims to enhance their employability, boost household incomes, and elevate their social status. Success stories from pilot phases show women transitioning from financial dependence to contributing significantly to their families’ livelihoods.

3. International-Standard Certifications

The programme collaborates with national and international organisations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Islamic Development Bank, and vocational training institutes, to provide globally recognised certifications. These credentials enhance participants’ employability, including opportunities for overseas employment.

4. Pilot Phase and Scalability

The initial phase will train 40 semi-skilled individuals from deserving backgrounds, with a focus on advanced vocational skills for international job markets. BISP plans to scale up significantly, targeting 2,500 students in six-month Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses by 2027 in cities like Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

5. Industry Linkages and Job Placement

The programme goes beyond training by facilitating employment opportunities, internships, and industry connections. Stakeholders, including the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, have pledged to support graduates with job placements and market access, ensuring skills translate into tangible opportunities.

Why the Benazir Hunarmand Programme Matters

Pakistan faces significant challenges in poverty alleviation, with millions of households struggling to meet basic needs. BISP, launched in 2008, has been a lifeline for low-income families, providing quarterly cash transfers of up to Rs. 13,500 in 2025. However, financial aid alone cannot address the root causes of poverty. The Benazir Hunarmand Programme tackles this by equipping individuals with skills to achieve economic independence, reducing reliance on welfare.

The programme’s focus on women is particularly impactful. Women in Pakistan often face cultural and economic barriers to workforce participation. By providing accessible training and breaking stereotypes in fields like IT and technical trades, the programme empowers women to become breadwinners, fostering social equity and community development.

Moreover, the initiative supports artisans by connecting them with markets, helping preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable income sources. This holistic approach ensures that skills training is not just about jobs but also about cultural and economic empowerment.

Collaborative Efforts for Success

The success of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme hinges on collaboration. A high-level consultative workshop at BISP Headquarters, hosted by Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad, brought together the “Friends of BISP” platform, including representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organisation (WHO), GIZ, and leading NGOs. These stakeholders pledged support through employment opportunities, internships, and industry linkages, ensuring the programme’s impact is far-reaching.

BISP’s partnerships extend to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, which will facilitate international job placements for certified graduates. This global outlook enhances the programme’s potential to transform lives by tapping into overseas employment opportunities.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite its promise, the programme faces challenges, including cultural resistance to women’s participation in certain trades and limited access to training in remote areas. BISP is addressing these through:

• Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about the benefits of women’s economic participation to reduce cultural barriers.

• Mobile Training Units: Deploying units to remote regions to ensure accessibility, particularly for marginalised communities.

• Increased Funding: The government’s commitment to sustained funding ensures scalability and long-term impact.

How to Get Involved

The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is open to BISP beneficiaries and their families, with priority for those enrolled in programs like Benazir Kafaalat. While exact registration details are forthcoming, interested individuals can:

• Visit the official BISP website (www.bisp.gov.pk) for updates.

• Contact local BISP offices or the helpline for guidance.

• Follow BISP’s official social media channels for real-time information on registration and training schedules.

A Step Toward a Brighter Future

The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is a game-changer for Pakistan’s social protection landscape. By shifting from financial aid to skill-based empowerment, BISP is paving the way for sustainable poverty reduction and economic inclusion. As Senator Rubina Khalid aptly stated, “Skill is the only asset no one can steal.” This initiative not only honours the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto but also sets a new standard for empowering Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities.

For those seeking a path to self-reliance, the Benazir Hunarmand Programme offers a lifeline—a chance to learn, earn, and thrive. Stay tuned to official BISP channels for updates, and seize this opportunity to build a better future for yourself and your family.

Fahad Munir

Fahad Munir is a seasoned journalist and editor at Awam PK, specializing in sharing accurate and timely news, job updates, and educational information to the Pakistani audience.