ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (IN): The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day international conference in Islamabad to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen livelihoods and explore sustainable solutions to poverty under the theme “Poverty to Prosperity.”The conference brought together federal ministers, international delegates, development partners, policymakers and poverty alleviation experts to discuss strategies for economic empowerment, financial inclusion and sustainable development.Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasised that poverty reduction required sustained investment in human development, education, healthcare and skills development.
He said poverty was not merely a lack of income but also reflected unequal access to opportunities and essential services. He stressed the need to invest in human capital, empower women and youth, and accelerate development in less-developed regions, particularly Balochistan.Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar appreciated PPAF’s continued efforts to combat poverty and improve the economic prospects of disadvantaged communities. He highlighted the importance of grassroots initiatives that create tangible livelihood opportunities, enable people to establish businesses, improve living standards and achieve economic self-reliance.Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said Pakistan’s economic progress depended on integrating marginalised communities into the mainstream of development and transforming their skills and potential into productive opportunities.He noted that cultural heritage also included traditional crafts, skills and indigenous knowledge that could generate sustainable livelihoods. He called for improved market access for artisans and greater economic opportunities for women and youth, while appreciating Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah and his team for their efforts to reduce poverty.Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar also lauded PPAF’s contribution to inclusive development, community empowerment and sustainable livelihood creation. She congratulated the recipients of the Media Excellence Awards for highlighting poverty-related challenges and promoting awareness through journalism.
Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said sustainable poverty reduction required an integrated approach linking social protection with livelihood opportunities, vocational training, access to finance and markets, and resilience against economic and climate-related shocks.He said the real measure of poverty alleviation was whether families could sustain their livelihoods and withstand setbacks such as floods, illness and income losses. He highlighted the role of institutions, including the Benazir Income Support Programme, PPAF and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, in supporting vulnerable communities and helping families achieve lasting economic independence.PPAF Chief Executive Officer Nadir Gul Barech said the organisation was working in 157 districts through 164 partner organisations, supporting more than 171,000 community institutions representing 2.67 million households. Women accounted for 63 per cent of the membership of these institutions, he added.Sharing key poverty-related figures, Barech said Pakistan’s poverty rate had increased to 28.9 per cent in 2024-25 from 21.9 per cent in 2018-19. He added that under the National Poverty Graduation Programme, 83.6 per cent of participating households had crossed the basic poverty threshold by 2025, while 57.7 per cent had reached a higher benchmark.He further said PPAF had disbursed 3.69 million interest-free loans since 2014, with women receiving 57 per cent of the loans and the reported repayment rate standing at 98 per cent.The conference will focus on poverty graduation, enterprise development, financial inclusion, support for small businesses, youth empowerment and green growth, providing a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and explore practical approaches to inclusive economic development.The inaugural session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by senior journalist Talat Hussain, featuring discussions on poverty alleviation, inclusive growth and sustainable economic empowerment.An exhibition gallery showcasing businesses and livelihood initiatives supported by PPAF programmes was also established alongside the conference.
Syed Imran Ahmad Shah visited the stalls, interacted with entrepreneurs and appreciated their efforts to develop sustainable businesses, create livelihood opportunities and strengthen their families’ economic security.On the occasion, PPAF presented Media Excellence Awards to more than 30 media professionals from different organisations in recognition of their contributions. Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) journalists Maryam Shah and Farhat Fatima were among the award recipients.
