Islamabad, February 17, 2026 — Global digital operator VEON Ltd. has entered into a strategic partnership with Nutshell Group to launch THE GLOBAL CONNECT, a new international platform aimed at strengthening cross-border investment, accelerating digital transformation, and fostering long-term economic cooperation across emerging and frontier markets.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nutshell Group, VEON Limited, and JazzWorld at VEON’s global headquarters in Dubai on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit.
The agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation in digital innovation, inclusive economic growth, and investment facilitation. It also seeks to strengthen public-private partnerships
and support sustainable economic development through coordinated global engagement. The signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials and business leaders, including
Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit; Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Shafqat Ali Khan; VEON Founder and
Chairman Augie K. Fabela II; VEON Global CEO Kaan Terzioglu; Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman of Nutshell Group; and Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic stability and policy consistency, stating that initiatives promoting digitalization and
cross-border investment send a strong positive signal to global investors. He assured full government support for efforts aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s global economic engagement.
Muhammad Azfar Ahsan said THE GLOBAL CONNECT is designed to convert investor intent into execution by linking global capital, technology, and markets with credible opportunities in emerging economies.
In a joint statement, VEON leadership reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Pakistan under its “Invest in Pakistan Now” initiative, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in financial
inclusion and economic participation. The inaugural meeting of THE GLOBAL CONNECT will take place in Islamabad in May 2026 and is expected to bring together leaders from more than 25 countries to advance economic cooperation and cross-border investment.
Headquartered in Islamabad, the platform is establishing a presence across major global economic hubs including the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, China, North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
Industry leaders from multiple sectors also attended the event, reflecting broad international support for the initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
