What is the Benazir Hunarmand Programme
The Benazir Hunarmand Program (BHP) was launched on 21st June 2025 by Asif Ali Zardari in Aiwan-e-Sadr Islamabad. It is an important step to empower Pakistan’s youth with practical skills. BHP does not rely on handouts but instead teaches trades to help families thrive and earn money in the real-world. This is a move away from short-term aid to self-reliance.
Why was BHP introduced?
- Inspired By Visionaries: Based on the legacy of Shaheed Mohammed Benazir Bhutto, and Zulfikar Bhutto the program supports their belief that dignity is achieved through opportunity – not dependence.
- Beyond cash aid: BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme), offered immediate financial relief. BHP builds on this by providing people with skills to generate income.
- Preparing Pakistani Youth for Global Stage With a highly competitive international job market Pakistani youth needs modern and in-demand skills — BHP is designed as a bridge to this gap.
What are the core goals of BHP?
1. Empowerment through Skills
Participants can train:
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Information Technology & Digital Literacy
- Foreign Languages (e.g., German, Chinese)
- Traditional arts and crafts such as tailoring
2. Graduating out of Poverty
BHP’s goal is not to just provide temporary relief, but rather help families move out of poverty by developing sustainable skills.
3. Women-Centered Opportunities
The BISP continues its tradition of women empowerment by reserving half of the training seats for women .
4. Community Reach
BHP gives priority to families who are already registered in the BISP. This ensures that those most in need receive support.
How does the programme work?
Who is Selected?
The program uses the database to identify candidates who deserve it, particularly women and rural populations that are underserved.
What skills can be learned?
- Healthcare training (e.g. Nursing)
- Tech & IT Skills
- Foreign Language Proficiency
- Artisan Skills (e.g., Handicrafts, Tailoring)
Market Linkages
Participants are then connected to:
- Employers
- Internship Programs
- Marketplaces
Hunarmand Portal
The Digital Portal will be a dedicated portal.
- Allow applications to be used online
- Track participant progress
- Provide job opportunities
This system encourages transparency, accessibility, and accountability.
Who is leading the BHP?
- President Asif Al Zardari– Launched program.
- Senator Rubina Khalid BISP Chairman, leading the initiative.
- Amer Ali Ahmad – BISP Secretary, coordinating execution.
- Partner Organisations, including chambers of trade, NGOs and other organizations such as WHO, GIZ, WFP etc.
What makes BHP a game-changer?
- Restores Dignity– through self-earned income.
- Opens the Doors– Skills lead to employment, entrepreneurship and stability.
- Empowers women by ensuring equal participation.
- Fights poverty at its root with long-term solutions
- Is the Engine of Growth– Highly skilled individuals are a sign of a strong economy.
Senator Rubina Khalid describes it as a “movement to ensure Pakistan’s skilled tomorrow.”
Real Stories of Transformation
- A widow from Multan takes up tailoring in order to support her family.
- A youth in Peshawar learns welding for a steady income.
- Families in Islamabad are exploring digital skills and earning online.
These stories are not just tales, but examples of how lives can be rebuilt by skill.
Highlights of the Launch Ceremony
| Speaker | Key Message |
|---|---|
| President Asif Ali Zardari | Youth must shift from relief to resilient . The importance of nursing, tech and other related fields was highlighted. |
| Senator Rubina Khalid | BHP was described as a Movement and not just a policy. Focused on women and artisan integration. |
| Amer Ali Ahmad | Called for partnership and sharing responsibility between industries and NGOs. |
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible to apply?
A. Only registered BISP beneficiaries and their family members .
Q. What are the trades offered?
Nursing, IT training, language classes, and artisan craft.
Q. How do I register?
A. Through the Hunarmand portal once it is live.
Q. Are women included in the training?
. A: Yes. 50% of seats are reserved for women.
Q. Will I be able to find a job after training?
The program provides internships and job links as well as marketplace access.
