Hatem Bamatraf Unveils Expansion of PTCL’s Women Empowerment Program at GITEX

At GITEX Technology Week in Dubai, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), unveiled new details about the company’s ongoing program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in underserved areas of Pakistan.

During the event, Bamatraf visited the GITEX stall set up by PTCL for two women who participated in the program. The stall showcased the success stories of Marium Hussain and Farhat al-Ain, highlighting how the initiative has transformed their lives and enabled them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.

Launched a year ago, the initiative has successfully graduated its first batch of over 100 women from Haripur. The program, in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Daraz, and U Microfinance Bank, equips women with technology tools and digital training to help them become active participants in the economy.

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

Participants receive connectivity solutions, SIM cards, mobile phones, and basic training on setting up e-commerce accounts. The focus on manageable batch sizes ensures each woman receives personalized attention and support.

“This is only the beginning,” Bamatraf emphasized. “We are committed to expanding this program 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 program’s success.”

Bamatraf also mentioned the potential for adding more partners to enhance the program’s reach. “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.”

He called on the private sector to support similar initiatives. “We urge the private sector to take responsibility for enabling communities, specifically women, to become self-reliant,” Bamatraf said. “It’s about empowering individuals, especially the women, to contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

The program aligns with PTCL’s commitment to social responsibility and digital inclusion, addressing both gender disparities and technological gaps in Pakistan’s economic landscape.