PTCL Group, in collaboration with the PPAF, hosted an event in Islamabad to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs supported under the Ba-Ikhtiar Project. This initiative, launched under PTCL’s Social Impact platform ‘Dil Se,’ is dedicated to fostering financial independence among women by equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to run successful e-commerce businesses. The event underscored the importance of financial inclusion and highlighted the transformative impact of empowering women entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
The Ba-Ikhtiar Project, which initially focused on mentoring and supporting women in launching startups, has now expanded its reach to 20 districts across the country. This expansion seeks to provide women with diverse skill sets, including pottery, arts and crafts, food preservation, online tutoring, and organic cosmetics. By enabling women to turn their talents into thriving businesses, the initiative is playing a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, who attended as the chief guest. The ceremony brought together corporate partners, development sector organizations, academia, and renowned personalities from entertainment, fashion, sports, and industry. Celebrities such as Kubra Khan, Hareem Farooq, Sana Mir, Ali Xeeshan, and Naseem Hameed lent their support to the initiative, adding prestige to an event already filled with inspiring stories of perseverance and success.
A thought-provoking panel discussion was among the key highlights of the gathering, featuring influential figures such as Sania Saeed, Jehan Ara, Azima Dhanji, and Zarene Asif. The panelists shared their insights on best global practices in women’s empowerment, the role of technology in addressing social challenges, and the strategies women can adopt to navigate the entrepreneurial world. Their discussions emphasized the critical role that mentorship, access to capital, and digital literacy play in ensuring long-term success for women entrepreneurs.
One of the most innovative segments of the event was Pakistan’s first-ever AI-powered fashion show, where women entrepreneurs showcased designs created using artificial intelligence. This unique presentation demonstrated the project’s commitment to integrating technology into business models, allowing creative entrepreneurs to explore new frontiers. The fashion show symbolized the limitless potential of merging innovation with traditional skills, offering a glimpse into a future where artificial intelligence can be harnessed to promote social change.
Speaking at the event, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering women through meaningful opportunities. He highlighted the broader significance of the Ba-Ikhtiar Project, stating that it is more than just an initiative—it is a movement that unlocks potential and creates lasting change. He emphasized that by providing women with the necessary resources and knowledge, the program enables them to become independent entrepreneurs who contribute to their families and communities.
Nadir Gul Barech, CEO of PPAF, also underscored the power of partnerships in driving sustainable impact. He noted that collaboration between the private sector and development organizations can lead to transformative change, as demonstrated by the success of Ba-Ikhtiar. By bringing together corporate innovation and grassroots community insights, the initiative has been able to address key barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, ultimately creating a more inclusive economic landscape.
The event also shone a spotlight on success stories that exemplified the program’s impact. Two participants from the Ba-Ikhtiar Project represented Pakistan at Gitex Global 2024 in Dubai, one of the world’s largest technology events. One of them, Mariam Hussain, shared her experience of presenting her entrepreneurial venture on an international stage, demonstrating how access to the right resources can propel women towards global opportunities.
As the Ba-Ikhtiar Project continues to grow, it remains a beacon of empowerment for women across Pakistan. The initiative has provided critical training in digital literacy, financial management, business development, and e-commerce, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to sustain and scale their businesses. These skills not only help individual entrepreneurs but also contribute to the economic well-being of their communities.
The event reaffirmed PTCL Group and PPAF’s commitment to expanding the initiative, introducing additional skill-building programs, and creating wider opportunities for women. With the support of partners such as the National Rural Support Program (NRSP), U Microfinance Bank (U Bank), and Daraz, the program aims to further its mission of financial inclusion and sustainable development. Both organizations envision a future where every woman has the tools, confidence, and support to thrive, fostering resilience and enabling communities to flourish.
