Quetta: Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail said on Wednesday that economic self-reliance among women is being fostered through the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s program, which provides interest-free loans, creates a favorable environment for women entrepreneurs, and offers robust institutional support.
He said that the emergence of an educated and employed woman within a family transforms the entire family dynamic, saying that it is essential for PPAF Head Nadir Gul Bareach and BRSP Head Dr Tahir Rasheed to expand their activities into rural areas.
He expressed these views while addressing a one-day seminar held at Governor House, Quetta, on the theme “Sustainable Ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs.”
The event was attended by Federal Minister for Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Kasi, Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Deputy Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly Ghazala Gola, Member of the National Assembly Dr Samia Raheel Qazi, Adviser to the Chief Minister Rubaba Buledi, former Senator Roshan Khursheed Broacha, PPAF Head Nadir Gul Bareach, Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Khan Lehri, Member of the Provincial Assembly Kulsoom Niaz, BRSP CEO Dr. Tahir Rasheed, Ms. Qurrat-ul-Ain, and CPD Head Nasrullah Bareach, along with a large number of women.
High-ranking government officials, development partners, financial institutions, representatives from the education sector, civil society, the private sector, the media, and women entrepreneurs also participated in the seminar organized by PPAF.
The Governor emphasized the need to enhance access to education, skills training, financial assistance, technology, and markets for women. He stated that women’s economic empowerment could strengthen families, stabilize communities, and contribute to overall economic growth.
Governor Mandokhail stressed the need to address the obstacles being faced by women, particularly those from rural and marginalized areas. He noted that providing women with appropriate platforms, resources, and institutional support is essential to enable them to transform their talents and entrepreneurial potential into sustainable sources of livelihood.
Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in providing interest-free loans, he remarked that these initiatives go beyond mere financial assistance; the PPAF plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities for women and fostering their economic independence.
He also stressed the need to expand educational opportunities for women, provide professional training in public sector universities, and establish the Islamia Women’s University in Quetta, adding that he would bring Pakistani investors and philanthropists from the United States to support this cause.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, highlighted the significant role women play in Pakistan’s cultural heritage, traditional arts, handicrafts, and the creative economy.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s skills and contributions and providing them with opportunities to transform cultural and traditional knowledge into sustainable economic activities.
The Federal Minister also underscored the role of women in preserving Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthening the country’s socio-economic fabric.
During the seminar, certificates, cheques for interest-free loans, and ‘Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan’ (Daughters of Pakistan) Excellence Awards were distributed among women who had completed training under the PPAF’s empowerment project.