Pakistan’s digital economy received a major boost as JazzWorld CEO Aamir Ibrahim, accompanied by Kaan Terzioğlu and senior leadership from VEON, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the country’s digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the future of next-generation connectivity.
The meeting highlighted Pakistan’s growing importance as a regional digital market and reaffirmed JazzWorld and VEON’s long-term commitment to investing in the country. The leadership announced plans to invest USD 1 billion over the next three years to support 5G rollout, improve connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure, and expand access to technology across Pakistan.
The planned investment is expected to play a major role in modernising Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure at a time when digital connectivity is becoming increasingly important for economic growth, business productivity, education, healthcare, and financial services. The initiative also reflects continued confidence in Pakistan’s improving economic outlook and the potential of its growing digital economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the contribution of JazzWorld and VEON to Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and welcomed the company’s decision to continue investing in the country. He also praised the role of JazzCash in helping Pakistan move towards a cashless economy through digital payments and financial services.
One of the most important achievements discussed during the meeting was the rapid growth of JazzCash. JazzCash has become the first financial services provider in Pakistan to onboard one million merchants on the Raast QR payment system. This milestone supports the government’s broader efforts to promote digital payments and reduce reliance on cash transactions.
JazzCash currently hosts 24 million of Pakistan’s 48 million Raast IDs and processes a major share of Raast transaction volumes across the country. This places the platform at the centre of Pakistan’s growing fintech landscape and highlights its role in improving financial access for millions of people, especially those in underserved areas.
The discussions between the government and company leadership also focused on increasing public-private cooperation to accelerate broadband expansion, improve access to digital services, and encourage the use of emerging technologies in both urban and rural areas. Leaders from JazzWorld and VEON stressed that better internet access and stronger digital infrastructure could help unlock new economic opportunities, create jobs, and support small businesses.
Aamir Ibrahim said Pakistan is entering a new phase of digital growth and that close collaboration between the government and private sector will be essential for unlocking the country’s full potential. He added that JazzWorld’s ongoing investments in connectivity and digital platforms reflect confidence in Pakistan’s future and are aligned with the company’s broader purpose of enabling a better life for all.
Kaan Terzioğlu also highlighted VEON’s support for Pakistan’s digital ambitions and pointed to the company’s recently launched “Invest in Pakistan, NOW!” initiative. The programme is designed to attract international investors and encourage global participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. According to VEON leadership, continued investment in connectivity, digital platforms, and innovation can improve competitiveness, strengthen inclusion, and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
VEON and JazzWorld have already invested more than USD 11 billion in Pakistan over the last three decades. The companies have also contributed over PKR 500 billion to the national exchequer during the past ten years, making them among the country’s largest long-term foreign investors. Their platforms now serve more than 100 million users through mobile connectivity, digital banking, entertainment, insurance, cloud solutions, healthcare, and e-commerce services.
The latest investment plan comes shortly after Jazz acquired an additional 190 MHz of spectrum valued at more than USD 239 million. This additional spectrum is expected to improve network quality, expand 4G coverage, and support the phased introduction of 5G services in Pakistan. Company officials said the move will allow them to meet rising demand for faster internet, higher data consumption, and more advanced digital services.
Industry experts believe that the USD 1 billion commitment could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem in the coming years. With more people using smartphones, mobile banking, e-commerce platforms, and online services, the need for stronger internet infrastructure and reliable digital platforms is increasing rapidly.
The planned investment in 5G and digital services is also expected to support sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, logistics, and retail. Faster internet and improved connectivity can help businesses become more efficient, allow students to access online learning resources, and make digital financial services more accessible for people living in remote areas.
As Pakistan continues to move towards a more connected and technology-driven economy, the partnership between the government, JazzWorld, and VEON could play a key role in shaping the country’s digital future. With billions of dollars already invested and further commitments now on the table, Pakistan’s telecom and fintech sectors appear set for another phase of expansion and innovation.
