Pakistan witnessed an unusual fashion show where none of the models were real.
The event featured colourful Pakistani designs on AI-generated models. The garments, however, were real and created by women entrepreneurs.
The AI-powered fashion show was held in Islamabad last year. It combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
The event showcased designs created by women from underserved communities. Artificial intelligence then presented their work through a virtual fashion runway.
The fashion show was part of the graduation ceremony for women enrolled in Ba-Ikhtiar. The programme is an initiative supported by PTCL.
The initiative aims to help women develop livelihoods through skills, technology and market access.
PTCL’s Tech Supports Women Entrepreneurs
Ba-Ikhtiar began in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 100 young women.
Many participants already had experience in stitching and embroidery. However, they faced limited access to markets and economic opportunities.
PTCL partnered with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund to address these challenges.
The programme combined vocational training with digital literacy and entrepreneurship skills. It also included financial awareness and access to online markets.
This approach helped participants use their existing abilities in new ways. Their work could reach customers beyond their local communities.
Digital tools also helped the women explore e-commerce opportunities. Some participants started developing businesses around their traditional crafts.
Their work later received exposure at major events. Participants showcased their products at GITEX Global in Dubai and Lok Mela.
The programme demonstrated how technology can help existing talent reach wider markets.
The women did not need advanced technical knowledge to benefit from digital tools. They needed access to technology, training and suitable platforms.
Programme Expands Across Pakistan
The success of the initial programme has supported its expansion into other areas.
Ba-Ikhtiar has moved beyond stitching and embroidery. Its newer areas include pottery, handicrafts and food preservation.
The programme also covers online tutoring and organic cosmetics. These additions provide participants with more opportunities to develop income-generating skills.
The geographical reach of the initiative has also increased.
Phase II now covers 22 districts. It aims to reach around 2,100 women.
The expansion reflects a broader focus on digital inclusion. It connects skills with knowledge, markets and financial opportunities.
PTCL’s Tech and Digital Inclusion
For PTCL, connectivity extends beyond simply connecting people to networks. The company says technology can create greater opportunities when linked with knowledge and markets.
Ba-Ikhtiar reflects this approach by supporting women as entrepreneurs and creators.
The programme gives participants tools to promote their work beyond traditional local markets. It also provides opportunities to explore digital business models.
The AI fashion show offered a visible example of this approach. Real clothing created by women was presented through digitally generated models.
The event showed how traditional craftsmanship can work alongside emerging technology. PTCL’s Tech is therefore being used within the programme as part of a wider digital inclusion effort.
The initiative seeks to help women participate more actively in the digital economy. By combining vocational skills with digital knowledge, Ba-Ikhtiar aims to expand economic opportunities.
Its development from a small programme in Haripur to a wider initiative also highlights its growing scope. The programme’s latest phase aims to connect thousands of women with skills and opportunities.
The initiative presents technology as a tool that can support existing talent. It also highlights how digital access can help women build businesses around their abilities.
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