Haripur, January 27, 2026: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, on Monday visited the Pak-Austria Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) to explore potential collaboration on skill development and vocational training for BISP beneficiaries and their families under the Benazir Hunarmand Program.

During the visit, Senator Rubina Khalid discussed opportunities for designing market-relevant training and diploma programmes aimed at supporting skills-led poverty graduation and youth empowerment. The initiative aligns with BISP’s broader objective of equipping beneficiaries with employable skills to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Also Read:BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid Calls Education Key to Poverty Reduction, Women Empowerment

The BISP chairperson was received by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mujahid, Rector of PAF-IAST, along with senior management, who briefed her on the institute’s academic structure, training facilities, and industry-linked education model. She also toured key facilities, including laboratories and hostels, to assess the institute’s capacity to implement large-scale skill development programmes.

Emphasising the importance of skills-based education, Senator Rubina Khalid said youth engagement in technical and vocational training was essential for transforming Pakistan’s human capital. She stressed that skill development initiatives under the Benazir Hunarmand Program should follow a value-chain approach, incorporating work ethics, soft skills, and employability competencies to support long-term employment outcomes.

Ms. Zainab Azmat, Head of the Human Capital Development Office at PAF-IAST, informed the chairperson that the institute currently offers 12 training programmes and four diploma courses in hospitality, health, and information technology. She added that these programmes are certified by City & Guilds (UK) and include integrated language and soft skills components.

Both BISP and PAF-IAST agreed to further explore the design of specialised skill courses tailored to the needs of BISP beneficiaries under the Benazir Hunarmand Program. The meeting was attended by DG BISP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Alaf Jan Afridi and members of the Benazir Hunarmand Program team.

The visit was described as a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between BISP and leading technical institutions, with the aim of promoting inclusive human capital development, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods across Pakistan.