In a landmark development for Pakistan's telecommunications landscape, Jazz, VEON’s digital operator and the country's leading digital conglomerate, has joined forces with Engro Connect, a subsidiary of Engro Corporation. The collaboration aims to optimise the management and use of telecom infrastructure across the nation. This partnership, framed within a legal scheme of arrangement and adhering to regulatory requirements, will integrate Jazz's infrastructure arm, Deodar (Private) Limited, with Engro Connect, ensuring long-term benefits for both companies.
Jazz will continue to lease Deodar’s extensive infrastructure assets, which are pivotal for providing nationwide mobile services. This deal is part of Jazz’s ongoing transformation into a "Digital ServiceCo," a model designed to enhance efficiency by focusing on core digital services, including fintech, entertainment, and cloud solutions. By shifting to an asset-light structure, Jazz aims to streamline its operations while driving innovation and inclusion in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
This move also aligns with VEON’s broader strategy of optimising resources and focusing on high-growth digital sectors. Jazz is positioning itself at the forefront of digital lifestyle services, extending its reach into fintech, insure-tech, and data analytics, among other areas. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, highlighted that this collaboration will strengthen Jazz’s efforts to empower millions of Pakistanis by providing seamless connectivity and cutting-edge digital services.
For Engro Connect, this partnership is a significant step in supporting the expansion of the telecommunications ecosystem in Pakistan. Abdul Samad Dawood, Director of Engro Corporation, emphasised that the deal will allow telecom providers to focus on delivering better services while benefiting from cost-effective infrastructure solutions, driving progress and affordable connectivity.
The partnership highlights the growing importance of infrastructure sharing in Pakistan’s telecom sector, where companies like Jazz are looking to expand their digital footprints while reducing operational overheads. With Pakistan experiencing rapid digital transformation, the collaboration between Jazz and Engro Connect is a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards greater connectivity and innovation.