President Asif Ali Zardari launched “Benazir Hunarmand Programme” at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Saturday.
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present at the launch of the Programme.
Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari said Benzir Income Support Prtogramme is based on the philosophy of Zulfikar Bhutto Shaheed whose legacy was carried forward by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto believed in inclusive prosperity and education for all particularly the women. He said the government is committed to realize her vision for the uplift of marginalized segments of the society.
Highlighting the importance of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, President Zardari said skill development is important not only for country’s progress, but for preparing a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand at the global level.
The President underscored the importance of education and skill development, saying that every household would be equipped with the tools of learning and education. He said we would have to equip our youth with modern technical skills needed globally.
Asif Ali Zardari particularly emphasized the importance of the nursing profession and declared it one of the most important profession which have vast scope at the global level.
He also stressed on the importance of learning foreign languages alongside modern skills to enable our youth to get jobs in foreign markets.
The President particularly expressed gratitude to former Finance Minister Naveed Qamar, acknowledging his valuable contribution in designing, launching and implementation of Benazir Income Support Programme.
In her remarks, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Senator Rubina Khalid said Benazir Income Support, since its launch seventeen years ago, has now become the largest social protection programme.
She said BISP is also at the forefront to disburse timely financial assistance among flood-hit people in 2022 and during the COVID pandemic.
Senator Rubina Khalid said 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 thanked the BISP partners including the German government for extending valuable support for different development initiatives.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, Federal Minister, parliamentarians, PPP leaders diplomats and high-ranking officers attended the event.
Earlier, Secretary BISP Aamir Ali Ahmad, in his welcome address, highlighted different aspects of Benazir Hunarmand Programme.
On the occasion, a cake was also cut to celebrate the birthday of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
