Islamabad, Pakistan – PTCL Group, in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), celebrated a major milestone in women’s empowerment with the expansion of the Ba-Ikhtiar Project. As part of PTCL Group’s ‘Dil Se’ Social Impact Platform, the initiative focuses on fostering financial independence and promoting sustainable growth for women entrepreneurs.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The Ba-Ikhtiar Project is designed to help women establish successful e-commerce businesses, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s economy. PTCL Group is not just providing financial assistance—it actively facilitates startup registrations and offers mentorship programs, empowering women to manage their businesses independently.
Expansion to 20 Districts
With its newly extended reach across 20 districts, the initiative now covers a diverse range of skill sets, including:
- Pottery & Handicrafts
- Food Preservation
- Online Tutoring
- Organic Cosmetics
- Arts & Crafts
A Star-Studded Celebration
The event honored women entrepreneurs who have transformed challenges into opportunities. His Excellency Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, attended as the chief guest. The event also saw participation from corporate leaders, development sector experts, and academia, along with renowned celebrities such as:
- Kubra Khan
- Hareem Farooq
- Sana Mir
- Ali Xeeshan
- Naseem Hameed
These prominent figures lent their voices to highlight the importance of women’s empowerment, making the event a truly inspirational gathering.
Insights from Industry Leaders
A thought-provoking panel discussion brought together experts like Sania Saeed, Jehan Ara, Azima Dhanji, and Zarene Asif, who shared insights on:
- Global best practices in women’s empowerment
- The role of technology in solving societal challenges
- Strategies for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape
Leadership Perspectives
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized:
“The Ba-Ikhtiar Project is not just a program—it’s a movement. By equipping women with essential skills and resources, we empower them to unlock their full potential and drive economic progress.”
Nadir Gul Barech, CEO of PPAF, highlighted the power of collaboration:
“When organizations align with a shared vision, the impact is transformative. Ba-Ikhtiar is a testament to how private sector innovation and development sector expertise can create lasting change.”
Global Recognition & Success Stories
The event also spotlighted inspiring success stories, including two Ba-Ikhtiar participants who represented Pakistan at GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, one of the world’s largest tech events. Mariam Hussain, a beneficiary, shared her journey of showcasing her entrepreneurial venture on a global stage, demonstrating the project’s far-reaching impact.
Expanding Skills & Opportunities
Through Ba-Ikhtiar, participants gain essential skills in:
- Digital Literacy
- Financial Management
- Business Development
- E-Commerce
These tools are helping women build thriving businesses and transform their personal and professional lives.
Commitment to the Future
With support from National Rural Support Program (NRSP), U Microfinance Bank (U Bank), and Daraz, PTCL Group and PPAF remain committed to expanding the Ba-Ikhtiar Project by:
- Introducing more skill-building initiatives
- Creating broader economic opportunities for women
- Strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
The vision is clear: to empower every woman with the tools, confidence, and support to succeed, fostering resilience and community growth.
