Spokesman Report
Islamabad:Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, met with Global Nutrition Advisor of the World Food Programme (WFP), Saskia de Pee, at BISP Headquarters today to discuss collaborative efforts on maternal and child nutrition, immunization, social assistance, and the establishment of women’s facilitation and counselling centers. The importance of Specialized Nutritious Food (SNF) in improving the health outcomes of mothers and children was a key focus of the meeting.
Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the need for a comprehensive graduation policy to uplift BISP beneficiaries. She informed the WFP representative that President Asif Ali Zardari will launch the Benazir Hunarmand Programme on June 21 — the birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The programme aims to improve the lives of BISP beneficiaries and their families through skill development and employment opportunities.
“We are building linkages with Chambers of Commerce and consulting with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to align training with international job market demands,” Senator Rubina Khalid noted. “Women can do everything that men can do — and our initial focus is on healthcare, construction, and hospitality management.”
Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, highlighted the success of the Nashonuma initiative, stating, “Through Nashonuma, we are not only providing cash assistance but also SNF, which plays a vital role in maternal and child health. The fact that people have accepted SNF is a huge success.”
Both sides agreed to work closely on outreach strategies, especially in newly merged districts and Balochistan, by deploying Mobile Registration Vans and organizing awareness campaigns to expand access to Nashonuma services.
