BISP chief calls for stronger climate-resilient social protection at ADB forum

ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid Thursday called for stronger international support to protect vulnerable communities from climate and economic shocks, highlighting Pakistan’s experience of linking social protection with skills, employment and climate resilience.

Addressing a panel at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Adaptive Social Protection Forum in Manila, she said Pakistan contributes very little to global carbon emissions, yet its vulnerable communities bear a disproportionate burden of climate change.

“The international community must step up support for Pakistan’s most vulnerable families by strengthening climate resilience, expanding adaptive social protection and providing practical assistance to help communities withstand future climate shocks,” she said.

Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted BISP’s response to climate-related emergencies, saying 2.7 million families affected by the 2022 floods received PKR 70 billion in emergency cash assistance.

She said BISP’s National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) covers more than 40 million households and has been made dynamic, with climate-related questions incorporated into the survey to identify households exposed to climate risks.

Earlier, participating in a high-level roundtable on “Skills, Employment and Social Protection: Building Resilience Pathways for Learning, Work and Security,” Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted BISP’s efforts to move beyond cash transfers by linking social protection with market-relevant skills, digital opportunities and employment.

She said Pakistan’s large youth population requires skills aligned with changing market demands and BISP is working with the ADB to scale up skills development within the social protection framework.

Talking about the Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP), she said the programme has been launched by the President and approved by the BISP Board as a regular initiative to address emerging skills and employment challenges.

She said the programme focuses on market-driven trades identified through national assessments, while its success is measured through employability and income generation rather than certification alone.

The APSP Week 2026, organized by the ADB from October 6-8 in Manila, brought together government leaders, policymakers, practitioners, development partners and social protection experts to advance inclusive, resilient and sustainable social protection systems.

During her visit, Senator Rubina Khalid also met Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Rex Gatchalian.

The meeting covered adaptive social protection, out-of-school children, skills development, career pathways and opportunities for cooperation in technical education and skills development, said a news release.

Senator Rubina Khalid presented a souvenir of Pakistan to Secretary Rex Gatchalian as a gesture of goodwill.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the Philippines Dr. Asima Rabbani and DG NSER/CCT BISP Dr. Asim Ijaz were also present during the meeting.