In a big development for Pakistan’s telecommunications sector, Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator and a subsidiary of VEON, has announced a strategic partnership with Engro Connect, a subsidiary of Engro Corporation. The collaboration aims to enhance the management and utilization of telecommunications infrastructure across Pakistan, ushering in a new era of digital services and innovation.
The partnership will see Jazz’s infrastructure assets, managed by its subsidiary Deodar (Private) Limited, integrate with Engro Connect, enabling a more efficient and future-ready infrastructure framework. This integration will comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements, marking a significant milestone in Jazz’s transformation journey.
Here’s what this partnership means:
- Improved Connectivity: Jazz will continue to use its vast network of towers and infrastructure, now optimized by Engro Connect, ensuring more reliable phone calls and faster internet across Pakistan.
- Accelerating Digital Transformation: This collaboration supports Jazz’s shift toward becoming a digital service company, offering services like mobile banking, entertainment, and cloud computing more efficiently.
- Nationwide Benefit: Engro Connect aims to make connectivity more affordable and accessible, benefiting not just Jazz but the entire telecom ecosystem in Pakistan, improving services for all users.
Optimizing Infrastructure for a Digital Pakistan
Under the terms of the agreement, “Jazz will continue to lease Deodar’s extensive infrastructure portfolio, ensuring uninterrupted nationwide mobile voice and data services under a long-term partnership agreement,” according to the official statement.
This long-term partnership will play a key role in Jazz’s strategic shift toward becoming a Digital ServiceCo – a more agile, asset-light model designed to streamline operations and deliver an expanded range of digital services that are aligned with Pakistan’s growing digital needs.
“This strategic partnership is a pivotal move in advancing VEON‘s asset-light strategy. The traditional vertically integrated telco model is no longer viable for operators, neither is it conducive to the sustainable growth of developing economies. Our collaboration with Engro Corp, starting in Pakistan, our largest market, will empower Jazz to focus on innovative digital services and cutting-edge technologies that serve Pakistan’s digital ambition,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO and Chairman of Jazz Board. This will also “help VEON showcase the wide range of opportunities for shareholder value creation and new business models across our markets.”
Commenting on the partnership, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our transformation into a fully digital ServiceCo; advancing VEON’s strategic focus on an asset-light approach. By optimizing our infrastructure and collaborating with Engro Corp, a trusted leader in infrastructure management, we are reinforcing our commitment to driving Pakistan’s digital transformation.”
He added that the collaboration enables us to continue delivering innovative solutions that “improve lives and livelihoods, empowering millions of Pakistanis through seamless connectivity and world-class digital services.”
Engro’s commitment to Digital Transformation
Abdul Samad Dawood, Director of Engro Corporation, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to enhance the country’s digital ecosystem.
“This deal reflects Engro’s continued passion to address pressing issues through impactful infrastructure – in particular by enabling low-cost, high-quality connectivity, which is a cornerstone of progress. This partnership will benefit the broader telecom ecosystem in Pakistan: By utilizing Engro’s infrastructure, all players in the telecommunications ecosystem can focus on delivering enhanced services and expanding coverage,” said Abdul Samad Dawood, Director of Engro Corporation.
The strategic partnership “will help us empower communities through better and more affordable connectivity, while contributing to the broader digital transformation in Pakistan and beyond.”
Expanding Digital Services and Innovation
This partnership is part of a broader strategy by Jazz’s parent company, VEON, to optimize operations and focus on high-growth areas, including fintech, cloud services, entertainment, and analytics. By expanding into these sectors, Jazz aims to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation in Pakistan.
With a strong emphasis on digital lifestyle services, Jazz is leveraging this partnership to drive innovation and financial inclusion. The company continues to be a pioneer in the digital space, with offerings such as JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading fintech platform; Garaj, the country’s fastest-growing indigenous cloud computing solution; and Tamasha, Pakistan’s largest homegrown OTT video streaming platform.
Jazz’s role in Pakistan’s Digital Future
As the telecom industry in Pakistan moves toward a more integrated, digital-first approach, this partnership with Engro Connect will ensure that Jazz remains at the helm of the country’s digital transformation. The collaboration aligns with Jazz’s mission to create a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Pakistan.
The partnership also highlights the company’s commitment to fostering innovation, driving socio-economic empowerment, and contributing to the overall development of the digital economy. With over 71 million subscribers, including more than 50 million 4G users, Jazz continues to shape the future of digital services in Pakistan, ensuring greater access to technology, financial services, and entertainment for millions of Pakistanis.