ISLAMABAD — Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Handicrafts Association of Pakistan to discuss comprehensive strategies for empowering women artisans and fostering youth entrepreneurship across the country.
The delegation was led by Ms. Ayesha Farooqui, Chairperson of the Handicrafts Association of Pakistan, accompanied by Vice President Ms. Asma Amir and Executive Committee Member Ms. Uzma Hamza.
Supporting Underprivileged Artisans
During the meeting, the delegation briefed Chairman Rana Mashhood on the Association’s ongoing initiatives, highlighting that it currently supports over 6,000 women artisans hailing from underprivileged backgrounds.
Key Highlights of the Proposal:
- Platform & Market Access: Providing marginalized women artisans with direct access to local and national markets to showcase their traditional craftsmanship.
- Skill Development: Launching nationwide, structured training programs to equip young women with modern design skills, financial literacy, and technical expertise.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Creating long-term, self-sustaining economic opportunities for rural and underserved female craftspeople.
Reaffirming PMYP’s Commitment
Appreciating the dedication and work of the Handicrafts Association of Pakistan, Chairman Rana Mashhood emphasized that empowering women through skill development and micro-entrepreneurship remains a cornerstone of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
“Women artisans represent the backbone of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and rural economy. The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme is fully committed to supporting initiatives that provide our women and youth with the necessary tools, skills, and platforms to achieve financial independence.”
— Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman, PMYP
He assured the delegation of PMYP’s support in scaling up vocational training and integrating local artisans into broader economic and entrepreneurial networks.
