In 2025, the Government of Pakistan launched a visionary initiative under the umbrella of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) known as the Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP). The programme is not just another welfare scheme but a strategic investment in human capital, designed to provide skills, vocational training, and technical knowledge to thousands of underprivileged individuals, particularly youth and women.
Unlike traditional cash-support schemes, this project aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping people with professional skills so they can earn a sustainable livelihood. The inspiration comes from the late Benazir Bhutto’s mission to empower women, uplift families, and create a self-reliant Pakistan.
Launched officially on June 21, 2025, on Benazir Bhutto’s birth anniversary, the programme has been recognised as a milestone in Pakistan’s social and economic development strategy. President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted during the inauguration that the scheme would prioritise women, youth, and BISP beneficiaries, turning welfare recipients into productive, independent contributors to society.
This comprehensive guide will cover every aspect of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme 2025, including objectives, eligibility, skills offered, registration process, benefits, and prospects.
Objectives of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme
The programme is built on several key objectives:
- Skill Development for Employment – To provide vocational and technical training in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, construction, and entrepreneurship.
- Women Empowerment – To ensure at least 50% participation by women, enabling them to earn and support their families.
- Breaking Poverty Dependency – To move people from cash dependency towards self-reliance and job creation.
- Global Opportunities – To prepare Pakistan’s youth for foreign job markets through training in international languages and technical certifications.
- Digital Pakistan Vision – To equip young people with digital skills, freelancing expertise, and e-commerce knowledge.
Benazir Hunarmand Programme Eligibility Criteria
The government has kept eligibility simple to ensure maximum inclusion. The primary criteria include:
- BISP Beneficiaries: Individuals already registered in the Benazir Income Support Programme are prioritised.
- Pakistani Citizens: Must hold a valid CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card).
- Age Bracket: Primarily aimed at youth (18–35), though women above this age may also be included.
- Education Requirement: No strict educational criteria, but certain advanced technical courses may require a minimum matric or intermediate qualification.
- Women Priority: 50% of seats reserved for women applicants.
Benazir Hunarmand Programme Skills and Training Offered
The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is not limited to traditional vocational courses. Instead, it focuses on modern, demand-driven skills that can provide a sustainable income in both local and global markets.
1. Technical and Vocational Skills
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical training
- Nursing and paramedical skills
- Construction and civil works
- Tailoring, embroidery, and handicrafts
2. Digital Skills for Online Work
- Freelancing (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer platforms)
- E-commerce (Daraz, Amazon, Shopify store management)
- Digital marketing (SEO, content writing, social media marketing)
- Graphic design and video editing
- App development and web design
3. Language and International Skills
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- German
- Arabic
- English fluency training for international markets
4. Entrepreneurship and Business Management
- Small business setup guidance
- Microfinance and loan opportunities
- Agricultural innovation training
Registration Process – How to Apply?
The government has announced that the registration will be integrated with BISP’s National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). Here’s the step-by-step method:
- Check Eligibility – Verify through your CNIC on the BISP portal whether you are eligible.
- Visit Hunarmand Centres – Designated training centres in different provinces will conduct classes.
- Online Registration (Upcoming) – The government will soon launch an online portal for direct applications.
- Document Submission – CNIC copy, proof of residence, and in some cases, educational certificates.
- Training Confirmation – Once accepted, candidates will be allocated a skill training course nearest to their area.
Benefits of the Benazir Hunarmand Programme
This scheme goes beyond simple training. It has multiple socio-economic benefits:
- Free Training: No tuition or registration charges for selected beneficiaries.
- Stipend Allowance: Some courses may offer a small monthly allowance to support trainees during training.
- Women’s Empowerment: Equal opportunities for women to gain income-generating skills.
- Job Creation: Trained individuals can start businesses or gain employment locally and internationally.
- International Employment: Skills aligned with global demand enhance the chances of overseas employment.
- Digital Economy Participation: Youth trained in freelancing and e-commerce will be able to contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
Implementation and Partnerships
The programme is designed in collaboration with:
- NAVTTC (National Vocational and Technical Training Commission)
- Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Private Sector Companies for internships and job placement
- International Agencies for certification and global job market alignment
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the Benazir Hunarmand Programme is ambitious, its success depends on proper implementation. Challenges may include:
- Ensuring transparency in trainee selection
- Maintaining quality training standards
- Bridging the gap between training and actual job placement
If executed properly, the programme can become a game-changer in reducing unemployment, enhancing women’s empowerment, and increasing Pakistan’s remittances through skilled workers abroad.
Conclusion
The Benazir Hunarmand Programme 2025 is more than a social welfare initiative—it is a national transformation agenda. By focusing on skills rather than just financial aid, the government has taken a bold step toward long-term poverty alleviation.
For thousands of Pakistanis, especially women and youth, this programme offers a ray of hope—an opportunity to learn, earn, and live with dignity. If implemented effectively, it will not only uplift individuals but also strengthen the economic backbone of Pakistan.
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