Pakistan’s popular telecommunications company and ICT provider, PTCL Group’s (PTCL & Ufone 4G) top-performing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Ba-Ikhtiyar, gets a stage in Expand North Star – the world’s largest startup and investor connector event, held as a part of GITEX 2024 in Dubai. The stage became a pathway to share the initiative’s success as well as to promote the initiative globally.
A group of skilled embroidery artists from Haripur, a small town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, have transformed their local craft into successful tech-enabled businesses, thanks to the training and support they received through the Ba-Ikhtiar program. PTCL and Ufone 4G selected these talented individuals to participate in a global event, giving them a chance to gain valuable exposure and explore new opportunities in one of the world’s leading business and tech arenas.
The two most notable leaders, Farhat ul Ain and Marrium Hussain represented the Ba-Ikhtiyar initiative on this global platform and also shared their hard work with the world in the form of their embroidery works. They interacted with visitors from around the world, shared their inspiring stories, and received praise for their achievements. Their involvement in the Expand North Star event is a testament to PTCL Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting graduates of the Ba-Ikhtiar program, ensuring the long-term success of their businesses.
Speaking about their experience, Marrium Hussain said, “I am deeply grateful to PTCL Group for providing us with this opportunity. The experience of being a part of such an important global platform has been life-changing and we look forward to newer avenues of growth for our enterprises. We met different people, gained exposure, and received appreciation for our work, encouraging us to dream bigger.”
Sharing his thoughts, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, of PTCL & Ufone 4G said, “Ba-Ikhtiar program mirrors our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and leveraging our digital resources to empower underserved social segments. The initiative enables women to become financially independent and facilitates their participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. It lays a strong foundation for a sustainable future by ensuring that women play an active role in improving the country’s socio-economic progress. I am immensely proud of these young entrepreneurs, who has shown resilience and commitment to be the future business leaders.”
The Ba-Ikhtiar program, launched by PTCL Group in partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), focuses on empowering women by helping them grow their small businesses. The initiative provides female entrepreneurs with the digital skills and tools needed to expand their enterprises. In addition, participants receive financial management training from U Microfinance Bank, enabling them to handle their business finances more effectively. To further support them, PTCL and Ufone 4G supplied these women with smartphones and mobile connectivity, ensuring they have access to data and voice services for their business needs.