Sindh government spokesperson Sukhdev Hemnani distributed interest-free loan cheques worth Rs10 million among more than 50 deserving people in Ghotki on Tuesday, August 25.
The beneficiaries included women seeking funds to start businesses or strengthen existing sources of income. Hemnani also distributed solar kits and plants during the ceremony held under the Peoples Poverty Reduction Programme, or PPRP.
Sindh government pushes economic independence
Hemnani attended the event as chief guest and handed over loan cheques to the selected beneficiaries. The financing will support businesses, livestock farming, small enterprises and other livelihood activities.
One beneficiary received Rs2.5 million to expand a scrap business. Other recipients secured different amounts based on their business plans and economic needs.
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“We do not want to make people dependent on aid,” Hemnani said. “Our objective is to give them opportunities to stand on their own feet, pursue dignified livelihoods and achieve sustainable economic independence.”
The Sindh government funds PPRP, while the Sindh Rural Support Organization implements it in participating districts. SRSO says the programme combines interest-free financing with community organization, vocational training and income-generating support.
Focus on women and community-led growth
“PPRP is a practical example of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s people-friendly and human-centred development vision,” Hemnani said. “It also reflects the PPP philosophy of roti, kapra aur makaan.”
“The PPP believes in empowering people, particularly women, so they can stand on their own feet and play an effective role in improving their families’ economic wellbeing,” he said.
“When people receive resources to earn, start businesses and expand their livelihoods, they become able to decide their own future. This is the foundation of sustainable development.”
Hemnani said PPRP has benefited more than 1.5 million families across Sindh. The programme supports communities through local participation, employment opportunities, economic activity and interest-free loans.
Women remain a central focus of the initiative. Publicly available programme material shows that PPRP uses community institutions and financial inclusion to help rural women enter economic decision-making.
The programme expanded to Ghotki in 2021. Earlier PPRP-supported enterprises in the district have used interest-free financing for garments, solar equipment manufacturing and plant nurseries, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
Solar kits, plants and housing rights
Hemnani said the same empowerment approach also guides Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees, known as SPHF. Under the housing initiative, women receive ownership rights to reconstructed homes.
He said those rights improve women’s economic security and strengthen their position within families and society. World Bank project documents also identify women’s ownership and secure housing rights as important parts of resilient reconstruction in Sindh.
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Hemnani reaffirmed that the provincial government would continue expanding sustainable livelihoods and women’s economic participation. He also pledged more opportunities for deprived and disadvantaged communities across Sindh.
