Islamabad: PTCL Group, in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), organized an inspiring event to honor the achievements of women entrepreneurs empowered through the Ba-Ikhtiar Project. This initiative is part of the Group’s Social Impact platform, ‘Dil Se,’ which focuses on fostering financial independence and promoting sustainable growth for women entrepreneurs.
The Ba-Ikhtiar Project is aimed at helping women in the establishment of successful e-commerce enterprises, thereby allowing them to make significant contributions to the economy. The PTCL Group demonstrates a commitment that transcends mere financial assistance, as it actively engages in facilitating the registration of startups and offering mentorship aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs to manage their businesses autonomously.
Furthermore, the program’s extension to 20 districts under the Ba-Ikhtiar initiative is designed to bring about transformative changes within communities throughout Pakistan. The expansion will extend the project’s scope to include a variety of skill sets, such as pottery, arts and crafts, food preservation, online tutoring, organic cosmetics, and additional areas.
The event celebrated the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs, who have successfully turned challenges into opportunities. His Excellency, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi – Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan graced the event as chief guest. Corporate partners, development sector organizations, and academia were present at the event, along with prominent figures from the entertainment, fashion, sports, and industry sectors. Esteemed personalities such as Kubra Khan, Hareem Farooq, Sana Mir, Ali Xeeshan, and Naseem Hameed added a touch of glamour and prestige. Their support further highlighted the event’s significance, which was already brimming with inspiring stories of transformation, growth, and success.
The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion, bringing together renowned personalities from diverse fields, including Sania Saeed, Jehan Ara, Azima Dhanji and Zarene Asif, who shared key insights on global best practices in women empowerment, the role of technology in solving societal challenges, and the strategies needed for women to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
This innovative segment highlighted the Ba-Ikhtiar Project’s dedication to utilizing advanced technology to foster social change, showcasing the synergy between creativity and technology in inspiring fresh opportunities.
Speaking at the grand event, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized on the program’s broader significance, stating: “The Ba-Ikhtiar Project is more than just a program; it is a movement that empowers women to unlock their potential by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to succeed. Today, we celebrate not just their achievements but also the ripple effect of hope, resilience, and progress that they bring to their families, communities, and society at large.”
The CEO of PPAF, Nadir Gul Barech, further highlighted the critical role of partnerships: “When organizations unite under a shared vision, the impact can be truly transformative. Ba-Ikhtiar exemplifies how the private sector’s innovation and the development sector’s community insights can converge to create meaningful and sustainable change. This is the power of collaboration in action.”
The event also spotlighted inspirational success stories, including two participants, who represented Pakistan at Gitex Global 2024 in Dubai, one of the world’s largest tech events. Ms. Mariam Hussain shared how the Ba-Ikhtiar Project enabled her to showcase the entrepreneurial ventures on a global platform, demonstrating the transformative impact of empowerment and opportunity.
Through Ba-Ikhtiar Project , participants have gained critical skills, including digital literacy, financial management, business development, and e-commerce. These tools have enabled them to build thriving businesses and fundamentally transform their lives.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of PTCL Group and PPAF, along with partners, National Rural Support Program (NRSP), U Microfinance Bank (U Bank) and Daraz to expanding the reach of the Ba-Ikhtiar Project, introducing additional skill-building initiatives, and creating broader opportunities for women across Pakistan. Both organizations envision a future where every woman has the tools, confidence, and support to thrive, fostering resilience and enabling communities to flourish.