Zardari launches ‘Benazir Hunarmand Programme'
The president expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday.
He underscored the importance of education and skill development, stating that every household should be equipped with the tools of learning and education.
He said that BISP was based on the philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto whose legacy was carried forward by Benazir Bhutto, who believed in inclusive prosperity and education for all. 'We are determined to realise her vision for the uplift of marginalised segments of society,' the president said. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari was also present at the launch of the programme.
Highlighting the importance of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, President Zardari noted that skills development was crucial not only for national progress but also for preparing a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand in international markets. 'We should equip our youth with modern technical skills needed globally,' he remarked.
He particularly stressed the significance of the nursing profession, calling it one of the most sought-after fields internationally, and urged that special priority should be given to training in this area.
President Zardari also underlined the importance of learning foreign languages alongside modern skills to enable our youth to get jobs in foreign markets.
Referring to his previous tenure, the president recalled that he had launched the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which became a cornerstone of social protection in Pakistan.
He expressed gratitude to former Finance Minister Naveed Qamar, acknowledging his valuable role in the launch and implementation of BISP. He said, 'Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will be improved further and more programmes will be added.'
The president said that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme is a continuation of that legacy, aimed at uplifting communities through empowerment and opportunity. He reiterated his resolve to ensure that the youth of Pakistan are provided with the skills, education, and opportunities necessary to build a prosperous country. The president said June 21 was an important day for Pakistan People's Party as it was the birthday of Benazir Bhutto. 'It is also a day of sorrow as we lost Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who guided us with her wisdom and farsightedness,' he added.
Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Senator Rubina Khalid said Benazir Income Support (BISP), since its inception 17 years ago, had become the largest social protection programme. Under the programme, women were declared head of the household and received financial help for their 10 million families, she added.
BISP was also in the forefront to disburse timely financial assistance to flood affectees in 2022 and during the COVID pandemic, she noted.
She said BISP had always been more than a safety net, it was a commitment to inclusion, dignity and transformation of people especially women. Benazir Hunarmand Programme, while using the database of BISP will create an empowered and self-reliant citizenry, which will be capable of participating productively in economic endeavours, she explained.
The programme, she said, would offer practical and demand-driven training in multiple fields enabling critical economic and social change and causing poverty alleviation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
President, PM extend 78th Independence Day greetings to nation
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for unity beyond divisions and personal interests for a prosperous Pakistan, as the country celebrates its 78th Independence Day today. President Zardari conveyed his felicitations to the people, highlighting the importance of national cohesion and the need for sustained efforts toward the country's welfare. He noted that the success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos reflected the country's unshakable national will and unity of purpose. This victory, he added, has boosted public confidence, restored faith in national institutions, and elevated Pakistan's standing on the global stage. Zardari also voiced solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan's steadfast diplomatic, moral, and political support until their right to self-determination is achieved. His message was carried widely by state media and reposted by Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad, underlining the day's significance for the diaspora. Similarly, PM Shehbaz extended 'heartfelt felicitations' to the nation and led the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. In his official Independence Day message, he underscored unity and collective dedication to Pakistan's development. I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the nation on completion of 78 years of independence of Pakistan. I pay tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other resolute leaders and… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 14, 2025 Parliamentary leaders joined in the celebrations, with Senate Chairperson Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani issuing a statement through the Senate office on X, urging the nation to unite in purpose and commit to progress. He said the sacrifices of elders and leaders will always remain a guiding light, adding that Pakistan is the fruition of Allama Iqbal's dream and the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Protecting and preserving independence, he stressed, is the duty of every Pakistani, and progress requires working above political affiliations. Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's Special Message on the Occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day On this momentous occasion of Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the entire nation. The 14th of August not only renews our cherished memories of freedom… — ᴏꜰꜰɪᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀɪʀᴍᴀɴ ꜱᴇɴᴀᴛᴇ, ᴘᴀᴋɪꜱᴛᴀɴ (@OfficeSenate) August 14, 2025 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar extended heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the 78th Independence Day, paying tribute to the immortal sacrifices of Pakistan's forefathers and reaffirming the country's resilience. Dar urged citizens to stay united, safeguard democratic values, and collectively build a strong, dignified, and prosperous Pakistan. He emphasised that freedom endures through upholding truth, justice, and dignity not just within our borders but in our global engagement, underscoring how unity remains our greatest strength. پاکستان کے 79ویں یومِ آزادی کے موقع پر میں پوری قوم کو دلی مبارکباد پیش کرتا ہوں۔ میں، ہم سب کے آبا و اجداد کو خراجِ عقیدت پیش کرتا ہوں جن کی لازوال قربانیوں اور حق کی راہ میں ثابت قدمی سے پاکستان معرضِ وجود میں آیا۔ میں اس عزم کو دہراتا ہوں کہ جب تک ہم "لا الہ الا اللہ،… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) August 13, 2025 Provincial leaders also marked the day with flag-hoisting ceremonies and speeches in their respective regions. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the public and participated in official observances, urging citizens to take pride in the nation's achievements and work towards future progress Pakistan International Airlines held in-flight celebrations across its network to mark the 78th Independence Day. According to PIA's social media feed and reports, the crew joined passengers in cake-cutting ceremonies, national songs were played on board, and children travelling on flights received chocolates as part of the festivities.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Bilawal inaugurates new canal from Karachi
KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, dubbing him 'Shehbaz Slow' when it comes to uplift works in Karachi. While inaugurating a 100-million-gallon water project in Hub on Wednesday, the PPP chairman launched a scathing attack on the prime minister and sarcastically called him 'Shehbaz Slow' for delays in the K-IV water project. 'We expected Shehbaz Speed [for Karachi's uplift], but got Shehbaz Slow. Sindh govt decides to initiate 'Hub Canal', other projects It cannot be that Punjab gets Shehbaz Speed while Karachi is left with Shehbaz Slow,' Bilawal added while requesting the prime minister to fulfil his promises regarding the K-IV water project in Karachi. Turning his criticism to India, Bilawal said that the Modi government has conspired to block Pakistan's water supply, likening his tactics to those of Netanyahu. He condemned India's alleged plan to violate the Indus Waters Treaty by constructing dams, calling it 'the biggest historical attack on the Indus River.' 'Karachi's people know how to defend the Sindhu Darya [Indus River]. We will confront India diplomatically and, if needed, on the battlefield,' the PPP chairman warned. Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared the project a major gift for Karachi on Independence Day. He said that Karachi's federal water quota would be raised to 200 MGD by December. 'We inaugurated the project on August 13 as promised,' he said, adding that the main beneficiaries would be West Wharf, Keamari, and Central Karachi. The new canal, he said, would bring an additional 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to the city, doubling the capacity previously carried by the old canal. Murad said that the old canal could not transport even 60 MGD effectively, but the new infrastructure would overcome that limitation. 'We built this canal within the fixed time and budget, without any cost escalation,' he stated. 'This is a gift to Karachiites ahead of Independence Day.' The chief minister also announced that the restoration of the old canal would be completed by December, further boosting the city's water capacity to 140 MGD. He added that the provincial government was negotiating with the federal government to increase Sindh and Balochistan's water quota, citing improved water availability due to climate change. Murad said a 35 MGD water treatment plant would also be completed in September to supply industries, freeing up potable water for domestic use. Once the augmentation phase of K-IV is completed through arrangements with the World Bank, Karachi will receive 550 MGD of water, significantly easing shortages. The New Hub Canal spans 21.8 kilometres and includes 11 aqueducts, 19 culverts, and four bridges, with a total capacity of 130 MGD. Phase II of the project involves restoring the old canal, with 21.8 km of its section already closed for accelerated work. The Manghopir pumping station's 150 MGD capacity is also being restored, alongside the refurbishment of the filtration plant.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Bilawal hits out at PM for K-IV delay
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed New Hub Canal - a Sindh government and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) project - aimed at addressing the chronic water shortages. The project will provide an additional 100 million gallons per day to the metropolis. The PPP chairman expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in the completion of the K-IV mega water project by the federal govt. "It is unacceptable to operate with 'Shehbaz Speed' for Lahore and switch to 'Shehbaz Slow' for Karachi," he remarked. He said water scarcity had been a long-standing issue for Karachi and must be resolved on a priority basis. Alongside the construction of the new canal, renovation of the old Hub Canal was also under way, which would further enhance supply to District Central, District West and Keamari, while a PC-I had been prepared to extend the project's reach to Lyari. The PPP chairman said he would take up with PM Shehbaz Sharif the issue of non-provision of federal funds for Karachi's development projects and urge early completion of the K-IV scheme. He said he had expected the prime minister to support Karachi's development with the same urgency shown for Lahore. Turning to India, Bilawal alleged that New Delhi was funding the banned BLA and Majeed Brigade to shed the blood of innocent civilians. He accused India of conspiring to block Pakistan's share of water by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty in violation of international law and said the Modi government intended to construct dams and canals on the Indus River.
