By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, Wednesday, emphasized that strengthened coordination and institutional linkages are crucial for achieving sustainable economic growth and advancing women’s empowerment.
She was addressing the Agricultural Conference 2026 held in Muzaffarabad on the invitation of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. The conference, organized by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, was attended by Prime Minister, Faisal Rathore as chief guest, along with senior officials and a large number of experts from the agriculture sector. Highlighting BISP’s role, Senator Rubina Khalid said that closer collaboration between the programme and the AJK government would help introduce more targeted and effective initiatives for economically vulnerable women. She noted that empowering women remains central to inclusive development.
Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, in his remarks, underscored the importance of adopting modern agricultural practices and ensuring their effective implementation. AJK Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Ali Shan Soni, also addressed the participants.
At the end of the conference, the BISP Chairperson, along with the Prime Minister, witnessed cultural performances presented by participants.
Earlier, Senator Rubina Khalid visited the Benazir Nashonuma Center at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Pattika, Muzaffarabad, where she reviewed maternal and child health and nutrition services. Head of Field Office AJK and GB of the World Food Programme, Nadeem Baig, was also present.
She interacted with women and children benefiting from the programme and directed the DG BISP to further strengthen coordination with the Health Department to expand outreach to deserving beneficiaries.
Terming maternal and child health critical for national development, she stressed the need to move towards universal coverage of the Nashonuma Programme in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, she also visited the Dynamic Registration Center at BISP Tehsil Office Pattika Naseerabad, where she met beneficiary women, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the survey process.
