Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a significant meeting today with Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila (Retd), Chairman of the Muawin Foundation. The two leaders discussed areas of collaboration to uplift rural communities, strengthen vocational training, and empower marginalized segments of society, especially women and youth.
The Minister lauded the Muawin Foundation for its exemplary work in improving the lives of underprivileged people across Pakistan. He particularly appreciated the Foundation’s holistic approach to social development—ranging from improving education in government schools, promoting community involvement, encouraging volunteering, and providing vocational and technical training in rural areas.
Rana Tanveer Hussain remarked that for a prosperous and self-reliant Pakistan, it is essential to develop a skilled labor force that can contribute meaningfully to agriculture, food processing, and allied sectors. He stressed the need to introduce innovative training programs tailored to the needs of rural populations, particularly those engaged in farming, livestock, and agribusiness. The Minister also highlighted the importance of educating the children of farmers, which is in line with Muawin Foundation’s goal of providing quality primary and secondary education in underprivileged regions.
Emphasizing the crucial role of women in the rural economy, the Minister appreciated Muawin Foundation’s focus on female empowerment through income-generating skills and microfinancing opportunities. He noted that the Ministry is also working on rural entrepreneurship programs, and welcomed joint initiatives that could enhance the productivity and economic independence of rural women.
The Minister underlined the potential of volunteerism and community mobilization as effective tools in promoting awareness about health, hygiene, food sustainability, and environmental protection. He noted that engaging local communities can strengthen the implementation of food security policies and improve rural resilience.
During the meeting, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain also stressed the need to skill the overseas Pakistani labor force in high-demand sectors. He said that a trained and competent diaspora can secure better employment opportunities and contribute more significantly to the national economy through increased remittances. “We must invest in our human capital—not just for domestic progress, but to increase our global competitiveness and foreign exchange reserves,” he added.
Both sides agreed to explore a joint framework to combine resources, expertise, and outreach for greater impact. The Federal Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships that serve the public good and build a strong, skilled, and self-sustaining society. He appreciated Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila and the Muawin Foundation for their commitment and vision for a better Pakistan.
