PPAF To Bring Global Expertise To Islamabad Poverty Alleviation Conference
Listen3 min
Read aloud by your device’s built-in synthetic voice, not a recording. Needs a browser that can read aloud.
✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is set to host a high-profile international conference in Islamabad on October 13–14, 2026, bringing together global experts, policymakers, researchers, and financial leaders to formulate resilient frameworks for poverty reduction. Titled “International Conference on Inclusive and Resilient Economic Empowerment and Growth” under the core theme “Poverty to Prosperity,” the two-day summit will feature delegates from 12 countries. Jointly organized alongside the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, the Centre of Excellence for National Cohesion and Outreach, and Paigham-e-Pakistan, the event precedes the United Nations’ International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17.Job Creation & Enterprise Support: Facilitated over 88,000 jobs through SME backing. Under the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) programme, 399 SMEs received matching grants and 803 businesses completed formal registration with FBR or SECP.
The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) will host an international conference in Islamabad on October 13–14 to explore sustainable poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and ways to strengthen vulnerable communities.
The two-day event, titled “International Conference on Inclusive and Resilient Economic Empowerment and Growth,” will be held under the theme “Poverty to Prosperity.” Representatives from 12 countries are expected to participate, alongside policymakers, researchers, development partners, financial institutions and private-sector stakeholders.
PPAF Chief Executive Officer Nadir Gul Barech said sustainable poverty reduction requires more than short-term financial assistance. He highlighted the importance of social protection, skills development, productive assets, access to finance and stronger connections between small businesses and markets.
PPAF Impact, Asset Transfers and SME Support
According to Barech, PPAF-supported initiatives have contributed to the creation of more than 88,000 jobs through support for small and medium enterprises. Under the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) programme, 399 SMEs received matching grants, while 803 businesses registered with the Federal Board of Revenue or the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
PPAF has also transferred 206,800 productive assets to beneficiaries, with women accounting for 63% of recipients. The organisation has provided skills and vocational training to 501,500 people, including 45% women. Of those trained, 57% became self-employed, while 16% secured jobs with other employers, Barech said.
The organisation has also supported 35,290 community infrastructure schemes, benefiting approximately 17.57 million people. Its wider development network operates in 157 districts through 164 partner organisations and has helped establish around 171,200 community institutions.
Interest-Free Loans and BISP Graduation Frameworks
Since 2014, PPAF has facilitated 3.69 million interest-free loans worth Rs149.61 billion, with a reported recovery rate of 98%. Under programmes supporting beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme, 334,000 people have been supported or assessed, and 32% were identified as eligible for graduation from poverty.
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Managing Director Syed Imran Shah said the conference reflects the government’s Uraan Pakistan vision for inclusive economic development. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for women and young people and strengthening cooperation between government institutions, civil society, development partners and businesses.
Around 400 participants are expected to attend the conference to exchange experiences and identify practical approaches to sustainable poverty reduction. The event is being organised by PPAF with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, the Centre of Excellence for National Cohesion and Outreach, and Paigham-e-Pakistan, ahead of the United Nations’ International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17.
