Press Release
Quetta: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), and the National Incubation Center (NIC) Quetta have joined hands to develop start-ups around social enterprises in the rural areas of Balochistan. PPAF, under agreement with NIC, Quetta, will provide Rs 10 million for incubation of 18 businesses with focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2 boot camps and 4 Heckathons.
The agreement was signed by Mr Nadir Gul Barech, COO, PPAF and Mr Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Pro Vice Chancellor, BUITEMS. Mr Shams Badruddin, Group Head, Infrastructure Development, PPAF, Mr Irshad Khan Abbasi, Group Head, Institutions, Integration, and Innovations, PPAF, Mr Muhammad Shah, Director, NIC and senior management of PPAF and BUITEMS was also present on the occasion.
PPAF and NIC will also find out opportunities of training of SMEs in the province in proposal writing and business development plans to avail Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP). PPAF is also implementing USD 14.8m EU funded GRASP project in the province which aims to support gender inclusive income and employment generation opportunities in the livestock and horticulture sectors for 22 districts in Balochistan and Sindh.
Mr Nadir Gul Barech, COO, PPAF, on the occasion asserted that Balochistan is at the heart of PPAF’s development agenda as we believe that without uplifting the rural communities in the rural districts of the province, Pakistan cannot fully prosper.
“I am pleased to review progress of PPAF led projects during my recent visit to the district and am excited to announce support worth Rs 10 million to NIC Quetta to set up 18 business startups,” Mr Barech said. He added further that these social enterprises will lead to jobs creation, economic expansion and diversification in skill set of our youth in Pakistan, leading to overall progress in the region.
PPAF is also implementing UNCHR supported Poverty Graduation Programme for Afghan Refugees is in District Chaghi, Balochistan. This initiative aims to enhance the self-reliance and livelihoods of Afghan refugees in Pakistan by helping them acquire transferable skills in the labor market which could be applied both in Pakistan and in Afghanistan once they return in safety and dignity.
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