NA Committee Chairman Highlights Integrated Approach to Poverty Reduction
HYDERABAD - The Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, has underscored that a multifaceted strategy is essential for empowering communities and achieving sustainable poverty reduction across Pakistan. Speaking as the Chief Guest at a significant event in Karachi, he identified skills development, interest-free financing, asset transfer, and the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as critical components of this approach.
Event Focuses on Economic Graduation and Livelihood Resilience
The ceremony, organized by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), centered on the theme “Economic Graduation through Resilient Livelihoods and MSME Development.” It featured the distribution of cheques under the Prime Minister’s Interest-Free Loan Program and the inauguration of the HN Food Products factory. According to a statement from the SAFWCO head office in Hyderabad, the event saw participation from key stakeholders including Secretary PA&SS Naveed Ahmed Shaikh, representatives from SAFWCO, SMEDA, various civil society organizations, and media personnel.
In his address, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur commended PPAF for its integrated development model, which effectively links social protection, livelihood support, enterprise development, and human capital investment. He noted that such initiatives are instrumental in enabling vulnerable households, particularly women and youth, to transition from dependency to dignity by creating sustainable income opportunities. The Chairman also praised the collaborative efforts of the European Union, development organizations, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and government stakeholders.
Emphasis on Education and Skills-Based Training
Talpur placed strong emphasis on the importance of education and skills-based training, urging PPAF to introduce more targeted skill development programs for the youth. He highlighted that equipping individuals with relevant skills is fundamental to fostering long-term economic stability and reducing poverty at its roots.
PPAF’s Widespread Impact and Financial Inclusion Efforts
Speaking at the occasion, PPAF Chief Executive Officer Nadir Gul Barech detailed the organization’s extensive efforts in promoting economic graduation through evidence-based interventions. He revealed that PPAF collaborates with 164 local organizations across 150 districts nationwide. Under the Prime Minister’s Interest-Free Loan Program, PPAF has facilitated over 1.35 million interest-free loans totaling PKR 49.3 billion across 67 districts in Pakistan. Specifically in Sindh, more than 270,000 loans amounting to PKR 9.86 billion have been disbursed.
GRASP Project Drives MSME Growth and Job Creation
Barech also highlighted the achievements of the GRASP project, an EU-funded initiative implemented by ITC in partnership with FAO, SMEDA, PPAF, and other organizations. He reported that 45,726 MSMEs have been mobilized across Sindh and Balochistan under this project. Furthermore, PKR 1.12 billion in loans and PKR 1.32 billion in matching grants have been provided to SMEs, leading to increased investments, higher sales turnover, the creation of over 40,000 jobs, and the adoption of climate-smart and cleaner production practices by 80% of the enterprises.
Government Commitment to Socio-Economic Development
Inam ul Haq, representing the Sindh Home Department at the Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), addressed the audience, affirming the government’s full commitment to promoting such initiatives. He stated that improving socio-economic conditions is vital for preventing extremist ideologies and fostering community resilience.
Inauguration of Food Processing Facility and Skills Certification
The event also marked the inauguration of HN Food Products, a GRASP-supported food processing facility located in Karachi’s North Industrial Area. This facility exemplifies how targeted financial and technical support can help MSMEs upgrade technology, expand operations, and access new markets. Additionally, certificates were distributed among graduates of vocational and skills development programs, celebrating their achievements and reinforcing the importance of skill acquisition.
This comprehensive gathering underscores a concerted effort towards poverty alleviation through economic empowerment, skill development, and strategic partnerships, aiming to build a more resilient and prosperous future for communities across Pakistan.
