Islamabad – October 7, 2025 : In a groundbreaking move to advance women’s economic empowerment, Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal (PBM) and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at PBM Headquarters in Islamabad.
This historic partnership will accredit PBM’s 165Women Empowerment Centres (WECs), equipping over 12,372 women across Pakistan with nationally and internationally recognized vocational certifications, unlocking new pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries from both organizations. NAVTTC’s delegation was led by Executive Director Mr. Muhammad Amir Jan, joined by Mr. Zafar Haider, Mr. Muhammad Yasir, Ms. Amina Gilani, Ms. Fatima Gilani, Mr. Hafiz Awais, and Maj. Adnan.
Representing PBM were Managing Director Captain Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt, Director General (Projects) Professor Dr. Zeeshan Danish, Director Education Dr. Zafar Khan Safdar, and all PBM Head Office directors, marking a unified commitment to this transformative initiative.
This MoU represents a pivotal milestone for PBM’s WECs, which currently train women in high-demand skills such as dressmaking, information technology, and beautician courses. For the first time, WEC graduates will receive accredited certificates, significantly boosting their employability and entrepreneurial prospects. PBM is also expanding its curriculum to include cutting-edge courses aligned with market trends, ensuring women are equipped to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.
Captain Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt, Managing Director of PBM, described the MoU as a cornerstone of PBM’s vision to transform WECs into a flagship initiative for inclusive, gender-focused development.
“Our mission is to empower women not just with skills but with tangible opportunities for self-reliance and economic contribution,” he said. “Through free training, daily stipends, and practical resources, we are building a future where women can break the cycle of poverty and become financial pillars for their families.”
Since assuming leadership, MD PBM has driven a series of transformative reforms under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s “Uraan Pakistan” National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–2029). With a sharp focus on women’s development and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Captain Butt has spearheaded efforts to restructure PBM, positioning it as a beacon of inclusive growth.
He expressed deep gratitude to NAVTTC’s Chairperson Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad and Executive Director Mr. Muhammad Amir Jan for their unwavering support, while commending Professor Dr. Zeeshan Danish and Dr. Zafar Khan Safdar for their pivotal roles in achieving accreditation milestones.
The initiative has ignited enthusiasm among trainees, educators, and communities across Pakistan, including in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and former FATA. With WECs established in nearly every district, PBM is empowering women to drive sustainable change and contribute economically to their households.
The program’s impact is already evident, with trainees expressing optimism about new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Beyond WECs, PBM remains committed to uplifting marginalized communities through initiatives like schools for child labor rehabilitation, Pakistan Sweet Homes for orphans, shelter homes, Great Homes for senior citizens, and individual financial assistance programs supporting medical care, education, and empowerment for widows and persons with disabilities.
This MoU marks a bold step toward a brighter, more inclusive future, empowering Pakistan’s women with the skills and opportunities to shape their destinies and contribute to national progress.
In Q n A session, Editor Tazeen Akhtar asked 2 questions to 2 leaders of the mentioned organizations Managing Director Captain Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt, Mr. Muhammad Amir Jan — Executive Director, NAVTTC ;
