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ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Senator Rubina Khalid on Wednesday underscored the need to equip women with modern skills and connect them with national and international markets to ensure sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
She was speaking during her visit to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Haripur, where she was warmly received by President CCI Malik Umair Khalid, Executive Member Syed Ahmed Jan Sikandar, and other members of the chamber.
The Chairperson also reviewed a handicrafts exhibition organized by the chamber, in which women displayed a range of hand-crafted products, including garments and traditional handicrafts, said a news release.
She visited various stalls and appreciated the quality, creativity, and dedication of the women artisans.
Later, Senator Rubina Khalid attended the Sanf-e-Ahan Conference at CCI Haripur as chief guest. The conference focused on initiatives aimed at providing women with modern technical skills and empowering them in line with international standards so they can effectively meet economic challenges at national and global levels.
Addressing the gathering, the BISP Chairperson lauded the efforts of local skilled women and emphasized the importance of value addition.
She said that proper sizing, attractive color combinations, improved packaging, and fair pricing could significantly enhance the competitiveness of local products in national and international markets.
She encouraged women to use smartphones, adopt modern techniques, and align their work with global trends. She also urged the chamber to organize regular training workshops to further strengthen women’s professional capacities.
She stressed that skilled women must receive fair compensation for their work and that profit monopolization by middlemen should be discouraged. “Pakistan must compete with regional economies, including India, in all sectors, not just in sports,” she remarked.
Highlighting the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, she said its guiding principle, “Skill is your asset,” aims to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among women through structured skills development.
Senator Rubina Khalid further stated that BISP’s core philosophy revolves around dignity, empowerment, and the economic independence of women. She urged women to remain confident, resilient, and inspired by the vision and legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
At the conclusion of the event, she distributed certificates among women handicraft producers and office bearers of the Chamber. Later, she inaugurated the new building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Haripur and appreciated the local business community for its role in promoting economic growth and employment generation.
The event was also attended by Director General KP BISP Alif Jan Afridi, members of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme team, President PPP Haripur Jahanzeb Khan, and party office bearers from Mansehra and Abbottabad.