By Digital Spartans 
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has partnered with the Institute of Rural Management (IRM) to deliver the digital literacy component of its Ba-Ikhtiar Program across 22 districts in Pakistan.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and aims to equip 2,100 women with practical digital skills. The training is designed to help participants use technology more confidently in their daily lives and explore opportunities in the digital economy.
IRM, an organization focused on community development and capacity building, will be responsible for delivering the digital literacy training. The program will focus on practical skills that can help women access information, communicate online and use important digital services.
Participants will receive hands-on training in smartphone use, basic digital literacy, online communication, internet safety and access to essential digital platforms and services.
PTCL will also provide smartphones to participating women. The devices will allow participants to continue practicing their newly acquired skills after completing the training sessions and apply their knowledge in everyday situations.
Speaking about the initiative, PTCL Chief Marketing Officer Amad Khan said digital skills are becoming increasingly important in everyday life. He emphasized that the Ba-Ikhtiar Program is intended to help women use technology to access information and services, support their families and explore potential economic opportunities.
IRM Senior Programme Manager Anwar Ul Haq welcomed the collaboration between IRM, PTCL and PPAF. He described Ba-Ikhtiar as a valuable model for inclusive skills development and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan.
The program focuses on more than simply teaching participants how to use smartphones and digital tools. By developing practical digital capabilities, the initiative aims to help women become more connected to services, information and emerging economic opportunities.
Digital literacy has become increasingly important as financial services, education, communication, government services and business activities continue to move online. People without basic digital skills can face difficulties accessing many of these opportunities.
For women in underserved communities, access to digital technology can provide additional opportunities to communicate, learn new skills and explore ways to generate income. Providing smartphones alongside training can also help participants continue building their confidence beyond the formal learning environment.
The expansion of the Ba-Ikhtiar digital literacy component across 22 districts represents a broader effort to promote digital inclusion in Pakistan. The collaboration between PTCL, PPAF and IRM brings together telecom expertise, development support and community-based capacity building.
By combining technical training with access to smartphones, the initiative seeks to create pathways toward greater financial independence and sustainable livelihoods for participating women.
The rollout also reflects growing recognition that digital inclusion is an important part of economic empowerment. As Pakistan’s digital economy expands, practical technology skills can help more people participate in formal and online economic activities.
PTCL’s collaboration with PPAF and IRM is therefore aimed at creating longer-term social impact by helping women gain the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to participate more actively in an increasingly digital society.