ZHOB
The Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Security (PASS) Division with the financial support of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) under the National Poverty Graduation Program (NPGP), distributed among over five thousand assets to Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) beneficiaries in Zhob district alone – a densely populated and poverty-hit district of Balochistan. It is aimed at eradicating poverty and financially supporting the marginalized communities.
Thousands of beneficiaries were also trained on the business sector and were provided with interest-free loans.
In addition, under the above-mentioned project, beneficiaries also got hand-on trainings on health, sanitation, gender activism, climate change, interest-free loans, and financial literacy in various union councils of the district. They anticipate that the initiatives will positively influence the communities.
Moreover, youth activities were also organized, in which football, volleyball, cricket, and badminton competitions were organized.
Meanwhile, the district’s social and public circles have lauded the program and its theme, terming it beneficial for the communities living below the poverty line as the program has made significant strides in improving the livelihoods of rural communities through asset distribution and other development initiatives.
‘BRSP has been implementing NPGP with the financial support of IFAD and the government of Pakistan since 2020 on various poverty-alleviation initiatives to improve the livelihoods of those living in extreme poverty in Balochistan, including Zhob district.
The program is designed to catalyze change at the grassroots to uplift the poorest households from poverty and set them on a course of economic and social prosperity through a tried and tested poverty graduation approach comprising elements of social mobilization, livelihoods development, and financial inclusion,’ says Saboor Khan, an official at BRSP.
