Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and International Labour Organization (ILO) have agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid and Director of the ILO Country Office for Pakistan, Geir Thomas Tonstol, in Islamabad.

The two sides agreed to undertake joint initiatives to equip eligible women with market-driven skills, improve their employment prospects, and promote economic empowerment. Under the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, women will receive vocational training in handicrafts, hotel management, tourism, and other sectors in line with market needs.

Speaking on this occasion, Rubina Khalid described the Benazir Hunarmand Programme as a significant step towards poverty alleviation and economic self-reliance.

The ILO appreciated BISP's contribution to strengthening social protection in Pakistan.

Both organizations also agreed to develop a joint work plan and formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the future.