QUETTA, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 16th Sep, 2026) Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi highlighted the role of women in Pakistan’s cultural heritage, traditional arts, handicrafts, and creative economy. He stressed the need to recognize women’s skills and provide opportunities to transform cultural knowledge into sustainable economic activities
Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail said that under the Prime Minister’s program, the provision of interest-free loans, creation of a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs, and strong institutional support are promoting economic self-reliance among women.
Addressed a seminar titled “Sustainable Ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs” organized under the auspices of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), he emphasized that when an educated and employed woman emerges in a family, it transforms the entire household. He urged PPAF CEO Nadir Gul Barech and BRSP CEO Dr.
Tahir Rasheed to expand their activities to rural areas to ensure wider impact.
Governor Jaffar Mandokhail highlighted the importance of education, skill development, financial assistance, technology, and market access for women, stressing that women’s economic empowerment strengthens families, stabilizes societies, and contributes to overall economic growth.
He particularly underscored the need to address challenges faced by women in rural and underprivileged areas by providing platforms, resources, and institutional support to help them convert their potential into sustainable livelihoods.
He praised PPAF’s efforts in providing interest-free loans, noting that these initiatives are not limited to financial support but also help women gain employment and achieve economic independence. He further called for expanding educational opportunities for women, introducing professional training in public sector universities, and establishing an Islamia Women’s University in Quetta, adding that he would bring Pakistani investors and philanthropists from the United States to support this cause.
The seminar was attended by prominent figures including Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly Ghazala Gola, MNA Dr. Samia Raheel Qazi, Advisor to CM Dr. Rubaba Bilidi, former Senator Roshan Khursheed Brocha, Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Khan Lehri, MPA Kulsoom Niaz, BRSP CEO Dr. Tahir Rasheed, CPD head Nasrullah Barech, and a large number of women entrepreneurs.
Certificates, interest-free loan cheques, and Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards were distributed among women who had completed training under PPAF’s empowerment projects.
