Report from BHW Pakistan Partnership Facilitator

Key Person: Edward Qasar

Michael and Carolyn Hanson were intending to visit in 2025, however, there was an outbreak of fighting between India and Pakistan so the visit was cancelled. In March 2026 Kevin and Helen Honore were scheduled to visit, however, due to the conflict in Iran and the subsequent issues in Dubai, this trip too had to be cancelled. In the light of this, a report has been compiled about the sewing programme in the rural villages around Faisalabad.  

The EGM Sewing Centre Faisalabad is an empowerment initiative of EGM Pakistan, aimed at equipping women with practical skills to become financially independent. This project is transforming lives by giving hope, dignity, and sustainable income opportunities to women from underprivileged communities.

Recent Events

Activities

This a 6-month sewing training programme with the latest course starting in October 2025. This batch will graduate on 30th March 2026, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward independence.

There are 10 women enrolled and the training includes basic and advanced sewing skills.

The centre is led by Pastor Sohail, who is faithfully overseeing all operations. His wife is actively serving as the trainer, teaching sewing skills with dedication and care. Together, they are playing a vital role in empowering women and strengthening families.

Personal Stories

The trouble with not visiting is that it is very difficult to get stories of those that participate in the programme. 

Partnership's Influence within the Community

This programme is quite small in terms of the number of people involved, compared to the huge numbers that live in the community. However, it makes a world of difference to those who attend the training. It makes a huge difference to their families and in many cases, they become the main income earner.

The community wants this to continue because they recognise the impact it has on whole families.
- Women gain practical skills, for many, it’s the only education they will get
- Families are receiving financial support through the skilled work of the girls
- Participants are developing confidence, dignity, and purpose
- This training creates opportunities for home-based businesses and employment

Ideas for the Future

Because of the success of this programme in this village and previous programmes, a new sewing centre will be launched in another area of Faisalabad. This new centre will be led by Pastor Ejaz Gill. More women will be given the opportunity to learn and become self-sufficient. The EGM team wants to:
- Expand the sewing centres to multiple locations
- Increase the number of trainees in each batch
- Help women start small businesses from home

Current Issues and Challenges

- The current political situation is making life more difficult
- That the community where the course is run will respect what the church is doing
- Inflation is severely affecting the day to day lives of the people, especially the Christians as they are at the bottom of the social heap

Prayer and Praise Points

1) That the course is going well and about to graduate
2) Pray that the graduates will all use what they have learned to bless their families and their churches
3) That the next course will be successful in the new village they select to operate in
4) Pray that the people in the course will be protected 

Comments

These programmes are an important part of the EGM strategy as they empower women, support families and help churches grow and influence their communities. I think we should continue to support this one.