LAHORE, July 31, 2026: The Benazir Income Support Programme and the Punjab Skills Development Fund have signed an agreement to provide market-driven vocational training to vulnerable women and young people across Punjab under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme.
The memorandum of understanding was signed at the PSDF office in Lahore as part of efforts to help low-income beneficiaries move from social protection towards sustainable employment and greater financial independence.
Under the partnership, BISP will identify and mobilise eligible candidates through its regional network and the National Socio-Economic Registry.
Applicants will also be able to register directly through the Benazir Hunarmand Portal.
PSDF will provide vocational training, course materials and stipends where applicable. Successful participants will receive co-branded certifications recognised by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and aligned with the Higher Education Commission’s National Vocational Qualifications Framework.
Training to Focus on Employment Opportunities
The programme is expected to offer skills training linked to labour-market demand, with a particular focus on women and youth from economically vulnerable households.
Officials said the partnership would create a structured pathway for beneficiaries to gain practical skills, secure employment or pursue self-employment opportunities.
The initiative forms part of BISP’s broader strategy to complement financial assistance with skills development and livelihood support.
BISP to Mobilise Eligible Beneficiaries
BISP will use its regional presence and socioeconomic database to reach eligible households and encourage beneficiaries to enrol in the training programme.
The National Socio-Economic Registry contains data used to assess household vulnerability and determine eligibility for several social protection initiatives.
PSDF, meanwhile, will be responsible for programme delivery, training standards and certification arrangements.
Officials Attend Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony was attended by BISP Director General Conditional Cash Transfers Syeda Adeela Bokhari, DG Punjab Haider Murtaza, Deputy Director NSER Punjab Roheena Iqbal and officials associated with the Benazir Hunarmand Programme.
PSDF was represented by Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Khan and members of its programme design team.
The partnership is aimed at equipping vulnerable groups with employable skills while reducing long-term dependence on cash assistance.
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