Senator Rubina Khalid Visits PAF-IAST to Explore Skill Development Collaboration under Benazir Hunarmand Programme
Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST), Haripur, was honoured to welcome Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), along with her team, for a high-level visit focused on skill development and socio-economic empowerment.
The Chairperson was warmly received by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mujahid, and senior management of the University. The visit aimed to explore potential collaboration under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme for providing structured skill training to women beneficiaries and their families, enabling them to become financially independent and self-reliant.
During the visit, Senator Rubina Khalid was briefed on PAF-IAST’s academic framework, modern training facilities, and its industry-aligned education model that integrates applied learning with market needs. She also visited various facilities of the University, including advanced laboratories and hostels, and appreciated the state-of-the-art infrastructure and learning environment.
PAF-IAST highlighted its mission of bridging academia and industry through practical, skill-based education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Institute emphasized its readiness to support national initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities through technical training, vocational education, and capacity-building programs.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan’s largest social protection initiative, plays a vital role in poverty alleviation and women empowerment. Through programs like Benazir Hunarmand, BISP is shifting its focus from financial assistance to sustainable empowerment by equipping beneficiaries with employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Both sides discussed future collaboration in designing customized training programs for BISP beneficiaries, especially women, to enhance their employability and create pathways toward dignified and sustainable livelihoods. The engagement reflected a shared commitment to transforming lives through education, skills, and opportunity.
This visit marks an important step toward strengthening partnerships between PAF-IAST and BISP, reinforcing the vision of inclusive growth, economic empowerment, and social development across Pakistan.