GITEX Global 2024: PTCL CEO reveals details about ‘BaIkhtiyar’ programme

At GITEX 2024, PTCL's 'BaIkhtiyar' programme showcased to empower female entrepreneurs in rural areas to achieve digital excellence
An undated image of GITEX Global Media. — GITEX
An undated image of GITEX Global Media. — GITEX

At the GITEX Global 2024 event held in Dubai, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) Group CEO and President Hatem Bamatraf, shed light on the “BaIkhtiyar” programme. A progressive initiative by PTCL that is directed towards the empowerment of talented women entrepreneurs with a lack of resources and opportunities residing in the rural areas of the country.

In Bamatraf’s visit to GITXEX’s stall which was set up by PTCL for two women who participated in the “BaIkhtiyar” programme. The stall exhibited the success stories of two female entrepreneurs Marium Hussain and Farhat al-Ain, who are an inspiration for many women all across the globe. 

Both the women highlighted how “BaIkhtiyar,” a revolutionising programme, pushed the boundaries towards excellence in their lives, transformed, and assisted them in accomplishing their objectives. 

Read more: GITEX Global 2024 — Devsinc CEO reinforces digital innovation worldwide

What is 'BaIkhtiyar' programme?

BaIkhtiyar programme is a groundbreaking initiative which was launched back in 2023, the programme has already graduated its first batch of almost 100 females from Haripur who are striding to gain financial independence and contribute to the country's economy.

It helps female entrepreneurs in rural areas to achieve digital excellence by providing them with top technology tools and digital training in partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Daraz, and U Microfinance Bank.

Bamatraf said: “We are proud of the progress we’ve made, through this partnership, we’ve enabled women who previously lacked access to technology to create businesses entirely based on digital platforms.”

“This is only the beginning, we are committed to expanding this programme to other areas in Pakistan. While we intend to keep the batch sizes the same to maintain quality training, we are considering increasing the number of batches each year due to the programme’s success,” Bamatraf added. 

He further acknowledged the possibility of collaborating with more platforms and companies to expand the programme, “PTCL is the champion of this initiative—we coined the idea and arranged the partnerships. We want to set an example for others to follow.”

Moreover, he urged the private sectors to take similar progressive initiatives for women's independence.

The BaIkhtiyar programme at GITEX Global 2024 demonstrated the PTCL's commitment to fostering digital inclusion by fixing technology challenges in the country's financial sector.