Dubai: Pakistan’s leading telecommunications and ICT provider, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G), proudly showcased its impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Ba-Ikhtiar, at Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup and investor connector event held during GITEX 2024 in Dubai. This event served as a platform to highlight the successes of Ba-Ikhtiar participants and promote the initiative on a global scale.
Representing the program were two exceptional women entrepreneurs, Farhat ul Ain and Marrium Hussain. Starting as local embroidery artists in the modest suburbs of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), they have successfully transformed into tech-enabled entrepreneurs through the training and support provided by the Ba-Ikhtiar program. PTCL & Ufone 4G selected them for this event to help them gain invaluable exposure and explore new business opportunities at one of the most significant business and technology platforms in the world.
Marrium and Farhat displayed their stunning embroidery products at the Pakistan Enclosure, where they engaged with international visitors, shared their inspiring success stories, and received recognition for their remarkable journeys. Their participation in Expand North Star underscores PTCL Group’s ongoing support for program graduates, which is crucial for the sustainability of their businesses.
Reflecting on their experience, Marrium Hussain expressed, “I am incredibly thankful to PTCL Group for this opportunity. Being part of such an important global platform has been life-changing, and we are excited about new avenues for growth for our businesses. We met diverse individuals, gained exposure, and received appreciation for our work, inspiring us to dream bigger.”
Ba-Ikhtiar is a women empowerment initiative launched by PTCL Group in partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Its goal is to equip small-scale female entrepreneurs with essential digital tools and skills necessary for business growth. Participants receive smartphones with pre-loaded SIM cards from PTCL Group, along with hands-on training in digital skills, including the use of UPaisa mobile wallets and managing seller accounts on the e-commerce platform Daraz. The 15-day workshop enhances their artisan skills while teaching digital marketing techniques to help them expand into the global online market.
The program also offers financial management training through U Microfinance Bank, empowering participants to efficiently manage their business finances. PTCL & Ufone 4G provides them with handsets and mobile connectivity to meet their data and voice requirements.
To date, two batches of women entrepreneurs have graduated from the Ba-Ikhtiar Program, utilizing their smartphones and complimentary data to sell products on Daraz, receive payments via UPaisa, and dispatch orders through courier services. Their success stories serve as inspiration for other women to pursue digital entrepreneurship and improve their socio-economic conditions.
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, shared his insights, stating, “The Ba-Ikhtiar program reflects our commitment to promoting digital inclusion and leveraging our digital resources to empower underserved social segments. This initiative allows women to achieve financial independence and actively participate in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. It establishes a strong foundation for a sustainable future by ensuring women play a vital role in advancing the country’s socio-economic development. I am immensely proud of these young entrepreneurs, who have demonstrated resilience and determination to become future business leaders.”
The PTCL Group exhibit was a highlight of the Pakistan enclosure at Expand North Star, attracting significant foot traffic. Marrium and Farhat’s story of their journey from local artisans to digital entrepreneurs through digital and financial technology garnered widespread praise.
