Karachi, August 17, 2026: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), Pakistan’s leading telecom and ICT services provider, in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), is rolling out the digital literacy training component of its Ba-Ikhtiar Program across the 22 districts where the programme is currently active. The trainings will be delivered by the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), a leading organization specializing in Community Development and Capacity building. IRM will be responsible to equipping 2,100 Women with practical digital skills and the tools needed to participate more confidently in today’s digital economy.
Participants will receive hands-on training in smartphone usage, digital literacy, online communication, internet safety and access to essential digital services. PTCL will also provide smartphones to participants, enabling them to continue learning and apply their skills beyond the training environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Amad Khan, Chief Marketing Officer, PTCL, said, “The true measure of empowerment is the ability to create opportunities for yourself. Ba-Ikhtiar is built on that belief. Digital skills are becoming increasingly important in everyday life. Through the Ba-Ikhtiar Program, we’re working with PPAF and IRM to help women develop the confidence to use technology in meaningful ways, whether it’s accessing information and services, supporting their families, or exploring new economic opportunities.”
Speaking on the occasion, Anwar Ul Haq, Senior Programme Manager, IRM, added, “IRM highly appreciates the contribution and collaboration of PPAF & PTCL and engaging IRM in the Ba-Ikhtiar Initiative. Ba-Ikhtiar Initiative is a valuable model for inclusive skills development and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan. We strongly recommend continuing and scaling up such initiatives to create greater opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.”
By equipping women with both technical competencies and digital capabilities, the Ba- Ikhtiar Initiative is creating pathways towards greater financial independence, sustainable livelihoods and meaningful participation in formal and digital economy.
The rollout of the digital literacy component reflects PTCL’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and women’s empowerment through strategic partnerships that create lasting social impact.
