ISLAMABAD – In a significant boost to Pakistan’s technological landscape, the leadership of Jazz and the VEON Group met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to outline a massive roadmap for the country’s digital future. The meeting, led by Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim and VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu, centered on a landmark commitment to invest $1 billion over the next three years.
A Billion-Dollar Bet on 5G and Connectivity
The centerpiece of the discussion was the $1 billion investment aimed at spearheading the 5G rollout and expanding high-quality broadband across the nation. This capital injection is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, reflecting sustained international confidence in the country’s economic potential.
The leadership emphasized that this investment will not only improve internet speeds but also accelerate innovation and productivity, ultimately driving inclusive economic growth. Aamir Ibrahim noted that Pakistan is entering a “new phase of digital growth,” stressing that collaboration between the government and the private sector is the key to unlocking this potential.
JazzCash: Leading the Cashless Revolution
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif specifically lauded the role of JazzCash in advancing the national “cashless economy” drive. The platform has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first financial services provider to onboard one million Raast QR merchants.
The scale of JazzCash’s impact on financial inclusion is evident in the numbers:
- It currently hosts 24 million of the country’s 48 million Raast IDs.
- It processes a significant share of all Raast transaction volumes nationwide.
- It serves as a primary tool for the State Bank of Pakistan’s digitization goals.
The Prime Minister acknowledged these contributions as vital to modernizing Pakistan’s economy and bringing unbanked populations into the formal financial fold.
‘Invest in Pakistan NOW’
VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu highlighted the ‘Invest in Pakistan NOW’ initiative, a global campaign launched earlier this year. The goal of this program is to attract international capital to participate in Pakistan’s digital evolution.
Terzioğlu remarked that attracting global investors, combined with steady local investment, will strengthen Pakistan’s global competitiveness and expand access to digital opportunities for all citizens.
Strengthening Public-Private Bonds
The talks concluded with a mutual agreement to deepen the partnership between the state and the telecom industry. Both parties discussed leveraging emerging technologies and expanding broadband access to ensure that the digital shift provides economic opportunities to every corner of the country.
As Pakistan prepares for the 5G era, this high-level meeting signals a unified front between the government and industry leaders to transform the nation into a digital powerhouse.
About The Author
