Islamabad: The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) launched a significant two-day global conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, focusing on inclusive and resilient economic empowerment and growth. The event, attended by key government officials, international delegates, and development partners, aims to develop sustainable solutions to poverty, enhance livelihoods, and promote lasting economic self-reliance among vulnerable communities.
According to Press Information Department, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted the necessity of sustained investment in education, healthcare, and skills to address poverty, which he described as extending beyond mere income deprivation. Emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital and empowering women and youth, Iqbal specifically noted the need to support less-developed regions such as Balochistan.
Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah discussed the need for linking social protection with vocational skills, access to finance, and resilience against economic and climate-related shocks. He underscored the role of institutions like the Benazir Income Support Programme, PPAF, and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal in achieving lasting economic independence for vulnerable communities.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar praised PPAF’s efforts to improve the economic prospects of disadvantaged communities, stressing the importance of grassroots initiatives that convert support into tangible livelihood opportunities.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, called for integrating traditional skills and crafts into national development to bring marginalized communities into the mainstream. He emphasized connecting artisans with markets and expanding opportunities for women and youth.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar acknowledged PPAF’s role in empowering disadvantaged communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. She also congratulated Media Excellence Awards recipients for their contributions to responsible journalism in highlighting poverty-related challenges.
PPAF CEO Nadir Gul Barech outlined the organization’s work across 157 districts, supporting community institutions and highlighting the rising poverty rate, which reached 28.9 percent in 2024-25. He noted that under the National Poverty Graduation Programme, a significant proportion of households had crossed the basic poverty threshold by 2025.
The conference also included a panel discussion hosted by journalist Talat Hussain and an exhibition featuring businesses and livelihood initiatives supported by PPAF programmes. The event, themed “Poverty to Prosperity,” continues with discussions on inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable economic empowerment.