Empowering women entrepreneurs across Pakistan, the Ba-Ikhtiar Project is making waves by providing vital resources, skills, and mentorship to help women succeed in the digital economy.
Now expanded to 20 districts, the initiative goes beyond e-commerce, incorporating innovative technologies like artificial intelligence to unlock new opportunities for growth and creativity. Through this comprehensive approach, Ba-Ikhtiar is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape, giving women the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving market and make a lasting impact in Pakistan’s economy.
Ba-Ikhtiar Project empowering women entrepreneurs
This week, PTCL Group and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) celebrated the success of women entrepreneurs across Pakistan under the Ba-Ikhtiar Project.
This initiative, aimed at promoting financial independence and sustainable business growth through e-commerce, has reached a major milestone with its expansion into 20 districts across the country. This expansion will broaden the project’s scope to encompass diverse skill sets, including pottery, arts and crafts, food preservation, online tutoring, organic cosmetics, and more.
The event, hosted by PTCL Group’s Social Impact platform, ‘Dil Se’, recognized the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of women who have turned challenges into opportunities. By providing mentorship and support to help women start and run their own e-commerce stores, the Ba-Ikhtiar Project has transformed lives, giving women the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy.
Diplomats, PTCL officials and women leaders praise the initiative
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, who graced the event as the chief guest, praised the initiative for its pivotal role in empowering women and fostering economic growth.
The celebration attracted a distinguished crowd, including corporate partners, development sector leaders, and prominent figures from various industries such as entertainment, fashion, and sports. The event was further elevated by the presence of celebrities and sports stars including Kubra Khan, Hareem Farooq, Sana Mir, Ali Xeeshan, and Naseem Hameed, who added a touch of glamour and prestige to the occasion.
One of the event’s key highlights was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring industry leaders like Sania Saeed, Jehan Ara, Azima Dhanjee, and Zarene Asif. The panelists shared valuable insights on global best practices in women’s empowerment, the role of technology in solving societal challenges, and the strategies required for women to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, spoke about the broader significance of the Ba-Ikhtiar Project, 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.”
PTCL and the partners for the Ba-Ikhtiar project are “building a future where every woman has the tools, confidence, and support to lead, innovate, and thrive,” he added.
PPAF’s CEO, Nadir Gul Barech, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the power of collaboration. “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 Ba-Ikhtiar Project’s ongoing mission is to provide women across Pakistan with essential skills such as digital literacy, financial management, business development, and e-commerce. These competencies have empowered women to build successful businesses, fundamentally changing their lives and the communities they belong to.
The event also showcased inspiring success stories, including that of Mariam Hussain, one of the participants who represented Pakistan at Gitex Global 2024 in Dubai, one of the world’s largest tech events. Mariam’s participation was a testament to the transformative power of the Ba-Ikhtiar Project, which enabled her to take her entrepreneurial ventures to a global platform.
Pakistan’s first-ever AI-powered fashion show
One of the highlights of the B-Ikhtiar event was Pakistan’s first-ever AI-powered fashion show, where women entrepreneurs presented clothing designs created in collaboration with artificial intelligence.
This groundbreaking showcase demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can be used to fuel creativity and innovation, aligning with the Ba-Ikhtiar Project’s goal of driving social change through the integration of technology.
The event also underscored the commitment of PTCL Group, PPAF, and their partners, including the National Rural Support Program (NRSP), U Microfinance Bank (U Bank), and Daraz, to further expand the reach of the Ba-Ikhtiar Project. Their collective vision is to provide more women with the confidence, skills, and support necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape, enabling lasting societal change.