Benazir Hunarmand (بینظیر ہنرمند, "skilled") is BISP's skills and livelihood programme. It offers free technical and vocational training to BISP beneficiaries and members of their families, so that a young woman or man from the household can learn a trade, find work or start a small business. BISP describes it as a path to "poverty graduation": helping families earn enough that they no longer need cash support.
Hunarmand at a glance
| Type of support | Free technical and vocational training |
| Who it is for | BISP beneficiaries and their family members |
| Launched | June 2025 |
| Training partners | NAVTTC and, in Punjab, the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) |
| Benefits reported | Free training, a certificate, and a monthly stipend and graduation bonus (amounts not yet published by BISP) |
| Course length | Usually a few months, depending on the trade (commonly reported as 3 to 6 months) |
| How to apply | Official portal: hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk |
Why BISP started Hunarmand
Cash transfers like Benazir Kafaalat protect families from the worst of poverty, but they do not by themselves raise a family's earning power. Hunarmand adds the next step: training in market-demanded skills, with certification that employers recognise. A family whose son or daughter earns a steady income is more secure, and over time may no longer need BISP support.
Partners
- NAVTTC (National Vocational and Technical Training Commission) signed an agreement with BISP to train beneficiaries and their families through its network of institutes.
- PSDF (Punjab Skills Development Fund) signed an agreement with BISP in July 2026 for market-driven vocational training for women and youth in Punjab.
- BISP also reports training running in other provinces. In Sindh, for example, more than 5,000 beneficiaries and family members were reported in training.
Who can apply
- Members of BISP beneficiary households, especially families receiving Benazir Kafaalat. Check your household's status with the 8171 check by CNIC.
- Applicants who meet the age and education requirements of the course they choose. These differ by trade and intake, so read the course details on the portal.
- Applicants need a CNIC (or B-Form, where allowed), and their household must be registered with BISP. If your family is not in the registry, complete the NSER survey first.
What trainees receive
- Free training at an approved institute.
- A certificate on completing the course.
- A monthly stipend during training and a graduation bonus, according to BISP's announcements. BISP had not published the exact amounts as of November 2026, so we do not list a figure.
- Help connecting with employment opportunities, according to programme announcements.
How to apply for Benazir Hunarmand
- Go to the official portal, hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk. Check that the address ends in bisp.gov.pk.
- Look for open intakes in your district, and the trades offered.
- Register with your CNIC details and apply for a course.
- Follow the portal's instructions for selection, the institute and start dates.
- If you have trouble, ask at your nearest BISP tehsil office or call 0800-26477.
Beware of fake Hunarmand offers
Training announcements attract scammers. Fake messages and pages offer "guaranteed admission", "laptop schemes" or "registration through WhatsApp" for a fee. Remember:
- Hunarmand applications are made through hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk only.
- Training is free. Nobody may charge you to reserve a seat.
- BISP does not ask for a PIN, OTP or wallet transfer.
Paste any suspicious message into the checker on this page, and read how to spot fake BISP messages.
How Hunarmand fits with other BISP programmes
| Programme | What it does for the family |
|---|---|
| Benazir Kafaalat | Quarterly cash for the woman of the household |
| Benazir Taleemi Wazaif | Keeps children in school |
| Benazir Nashonuma | Healthy start for mothers and babies |
| Benazir Hunarmand | Skills and income for older children and adults |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Benazir Hunarmand Programme?
It is BISP's skills programme, launched in June 2025, offering free technical and vocational training to BISP beneficiaries and their family members.
How do I apply for Benazir Hunarmand?
Only through the official portal, hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk, where open courses and intakes are listed.
Is there a stipend in Benazir Hunarmand?
BISP has announced a monthly stipend during training and a graduation bonus, but had not published the amounts as of November 2026.
Who can join Benazir Hunarmand?
BISP beneficiaries and members of their households who meet the age and education requirements of the chosen course.
Is Hunarmand training free?
Yes. Training through the official programme is free. Never pay anyone for admission.
Sources
- BISP Press Release No. 65, 31 July 2026 (PSDF partnership): bisp.gov.pk
- Benazir Hunarmand Program launch, June 2025: ProPakistani
- Over 5,000 BISP beneficiaries in skills training: APP
- Hunarmand portal: hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk
Last updated 10 Nov 2026
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