Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Haripur. Upon her arrival, she was warmly received by President CCI Haripur Malik Umair Khalid, Executive Member Syed Ahmed Jan Sikandar, along with other executive members of the Chamber.
During the visit, the Chairperson also reviewed the Handicrafts Exhibition organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where women showcased a variety of hand-crafted products, particularly garments and traditional handicrafts. Senator Rubina Khalid visited several stalls and appreciated the quality, creativity, and dedication reflected in the women’s work.
Later, the Chairperson attended the Sanf-e-Ahan Conference at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Haripur as Chief Guest. The conference aimed to promote initiatives focused on equipping women with modern technical skills and empowering them in line with international standards, enabling them to effectively respond to economic challenges at both national and global levels.
While addressing the conference, Senator Rubina Khalid commended the efforts of local skilled women and emphasized the importance of value addition in products. She noted that appropriate sizing, thoughtful color selection, improved packaging, and fair pricing could significantly enhance market competitiveness at national and international levels. She encouraged women to make effective use of smartphones, adopt modern techniques, and align their work with global market trends. She also suggested that the Chamber of Commerce organize regular training workshops to strengthen women’s capacity and professional skills.
The Chairperson stressed that skilled women must receive fair compensation for their work and that profit monopolization by intermediaries should be discouraged. She remarked that Pakistan must compete with regional economies such as India across all sectors, not limited to sports alone. Highlighting the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, she stated that its guiding principle, “Skill is your asset,” aims to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among women through skills development.
Senator Rubina Khalid further highlighted BISP’s core philosophy, which centers on dignity, empowerment, and 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, the Chairperson distributed certificates among women handicraft producers and office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Subsequently, Senator Rubina Khalid inaugurated the new building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Haripur and appreciated the business community for its active role in promoting economic growth and employment generation in the region.
The event was also attended by Director General KP BISP Mr. Alaf Jan Afridi, members of the BISP Benazir Hunarmand Programme team, President Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Haripur Jahanzeb Khan, along with party office bearers from Mansehra and Abbottabad.