Dubai: PTCL Group, one of Pakistan’s largest telecom and integrated ICT services provider (comprising PTCL and Ufone 4G), showcased its flagship women empowerment initiative, ‘Ba-Ikhtiar’ (Empowered in Urdu), at the Expand North Star event, held as part of GITEX 2024 in Dubai, according to a media release. The event, noted for connecting startups and investors, highlighted the remarkable success of two PTCL-supported entrepreneurs, Farhat ul Ain and Marrium Hussain, who have risen to prominence through the Ba-Ikhtiar program.
Hailing from Haripur, a small town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Farhat and Marrium began their journey as local embroidery artists, crafting intricate designs by hand. Through PTCL Group’s Ba-Ikhtiar initiative, they gained access to cutting-edge digital tools and training that transformed their businesses, allowing them to scale their craftsmanship globally. Representing Pakistan at this prestigious event, the duo showcased not only their beautiful embroidery but also their inspiring journey from artisans to digital entrepreneurs, the organisers said.
At Expand North Star, their digital exhibit at the Pakistan Enclosure attracted significant international attention, sparking interest in the potential of Pakistan’s women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. This global exposure provided invaluable connections and opened doors for them to explore new business opportunities beyond Pakistan’s borders, the media release said.
Sharing her experience, Marrium Hussain said, "I am deeply grateful to PTCL Group for this life-changing opportunity. Being part of such a prestigious global platform has expanded my horizons and inspired me to dream even bigger. The exposure and appreciation we’ve received have given us the confidence to continue growing."
Farhat ul Ain added, "Coming from a small town, I never imagined I would be showcasing my work on an international stage. The Ba-Ikhtiar program has not only enhanced my skills but also transformed my outlook on what’s possible. This opportunity has motivated me to take my business to new heights, and I am thankful to PTCL Group for believing in us."
Launched in partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Ba-Ikhtiar empowers small-scale women entrepreneurs by providing them with essential digital tools, training, and financial management support. Through the program, participants receive smartphones with SIM cards, along with training on e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and mobile wallets to scale their businesses.
The initiative includes a 15-day workshop focused on enhancing artisan skills and expanding participants' market reach globally. With additional support from U Microfinance Bank, a PTCL subsidiary, women entrepreneurs also receive financial management training, ensuring long-term sustainability. Two successful batches of graduates are already selling products on e-commerce platforms like Daraz, managing payments via UPaisa, and handling deliveries through courier services, empowering them to operate from the comfort of their homes.
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, commented, "Ba-Ikhtiar reflects our commitment to digital inclusion and empowering underserved communities. The program plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s growing digital economy and helps women become financially independent. We are proud of these young entrepreneurs who have shown great resilience and are on their way to becoming future business leaders."
