BISP to Train 50 Women in IT, Solar Technology and Vocational Skills
BISP Plans Vocational Training for 50 Women to Boost Jobs and Self-Employment
ISLAMABAD, October 28, 2026: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is planning a new skills development initiative in partnership with SZABIST ZABTech to help women from low-income families gain practical skills, improve their employment prospects and pursue independent sources of income.
The proposed pilot project will benefit 50 women from BISP beneficiary families in Karachi and Shaheed Benazirabad, with 25 participants selected from each district for three months of technical and vocational training.
BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid discussed the initiative during a meeting with Waheeda Mahesar, Executive Director of SZABIST ZABTech. The project is being undertaken on the directions of First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, with a focus on strengthening women’s economic participation.
Training to Focus on In-Demand Skills
The programme will offer training in several practical fields, including information technology, digital skills, hospitality, beauty services, stitching, handicrafts, mobile phone repair, solar technology and entrepreneurship.
By focusing on market-oriented skills, the initiative aims to help participants prepare for employment while also equipping them with the knowledge needed to establish small businesses and pursue self-employment.
To make participation more accessible, trainees will receive a monthly stipend to help cover transportation expenses. Toolkits will also be provided to participants who successfully complete their training.
The initiative will include post-training assistance to connect graduates with potential employers and self-employment opportunities, helping them put their newly acquired skills into practice.
Benazir Hunarmand Programme Supports Skills Development
Senator Rubina Khalid welcomed the First Lady’s continued support for BISP, particularly the Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP), which seeks to complement social protection measures with vocational education and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
She highlighted the importance of turning women’s empowerment into practical opportunities that enable women from beneficiary households to develop skills and work towards greater financial independence.
The partnership with SZABIST ZABTech is intended to strengthen this approach by linking training with the needs of the employment market.
SZABIST ZABTech Signals Interest in Long-Term Partnership
Representatives of SZABIST ZABTech appreciated BISP’s efforts under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme and expressed interest in establishing a long-term collaboration to expand skills training for beneficiary families.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the initial project could provide a foundation for broader cooperation in vocational education and economic empowerment.
The meeting was also attended by Dr Asim Ijaz, Director General of Conditional Cash Transfers at BISP; Humaira Farooq, Focal Person for BHP; Aoun Sahi, Training Specialist for BHP; and Arshma Shah, Programme Manager at SZABIST ZABTech.
The pilot represents a targeted effort to connect social protection with practical skills development, with the broader aim of helping women access employment, develop entrepreneurial capabilities and build more sustainable livelihoods.
