KARACHI: PTCL Group, in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), hosted an inspiring event to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs empowered through the Ba-Ikhtiar Project under the Group’s social impact platform ‘Dil Se’. The initiative works to promote financial independence and pave the way for sustainable growth for women entrepreneurs by building successful e-commerce stores. PTCL Group is committed to empowering these women by supporting them in registering their startups and providing guidance so that they can run their businesses independently, a press release said.
In addition, the expansion of the program to 20 districts under the Bakhtar Initiative aims to transform communities across Pakistan. This expansion will expand the scope of the project to include diverse skill sets, including pottery, arts and crafts, food preservation, online tutoring, organic cosmetics, and more.
The event celebrated the resilience and determination of female entrepreneurs who succeeded in turning challenges into opportunities. The ceremony was attended by Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, as chief guest. The event was attended by corporate partners, development sector organizations and academia, along with prominent figures from the entertainment, fashion, sports and industry sectors. Eminent personalities like Kubra Khan, Hareem Farooq, Sana Mir, Ali Sheeshan and Naseem Hameed added a touch of glamor and prestige. Their support also highlighted the importance of this event, which was already filled with inspiring stories of transformation, growth and success.
The event also included a thought-provoking panel discussion, which brought together renowned figures from diverse fields, including Sania Saeed, Jehan Ara, Azima Dangi and Zareen Asif, who shared key insights on global best practices in women empowerment, and the role of technology in solving the problem. Societal challenges, and strategies needed for women to successfully navigate the entrepreneurship landscape.
The highlight of the day was Pakistan’s first ever AI-powered fashion show, where women entrepreneurs showcased clothing designs created in collaboration with AI.
This innovative segment underscored the Bakhtar Project’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive social change, reflecting how creativity and technology can combine to inspire new possibilities.
Speaking at the grand event, Hatem Bamatraf, Group President and CEO of PTCL and Ufone 4G, emphasized the broader importance of the programme, saying: “The Bakhtar Project is more than just a programme; It is a movement that empowers women to unleash their potential by providing them with the resources and skills needed to succeed. Today, we celebrate not only their accomplishments, but also the ripple effect of the hope, resilience and progress they bring to their families, communities and society at large.”
PPAF CEO, Nadir Gul Barış, also highlighted the critical role of partnerships: “When organizations come together under a shared vision, the impact can be truly transformative. Bakhtar exemplifies how private sector innovation and the societal visions of the development sector can converge to create meaningful and sustainable change. This is the power of collaboration in action.”
The event also highlighted inspiring success stories, including two participants who represented Pakistan at GITEX World Expo 2024 in Dubai, one of the largest technology events in the world. Maryam Hussein shared how the Bakhtar Project enabled her to showcase her entrepreneurial projects on a global platform, demonstrating the transformative impact of empowerment and opportunity.
Project By Choice continues to be a beacon of empowerment. Through this initiative, participants acquired essential skills, including digital literacy, financial management, business development, and e-commerce. These tools have enabled them to build thriving businesses and transform their lives.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of PTCL Group and PPAF, together with partners, National Rural Support Program (NRSP), U Microfinance Bank (U Bank) and Daraz to scale up the Ba-Ikhtiar Project, introduce additional skills building initiatives, and create broader opportunities for women across the world. All over Pakistan. Both organizations envision a future where every woman has the tools, confidence and support needed to thrive, foster resilience and enable communities to thrive.
