Jazz, one of Pakistan’s leading digital operators, has announced that it has secured all necessary regulatory approvals to finalize its strategic partnership with Engro Corporation Limited for the pooling and management of telecommunications infrastructure assets. This collaboration, originally announced in December 2024, is set to significantly enhance the efficiency and scalability of digital infrastructure investments in Pakistan, aligning with the country’s broader digital transformation goals.
Under the terms of the agreement, Jazz’s infrastructure assets, currently managed through its wholly owned subsidiary Deodar (Private) Limited, will be vested into a newly formed entity, Engro Connect, via a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement. The partnership has received clearance from key regulatory bodies, including the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Islamabad High Court. The transaction is expected to be completed by June 2025, marking a crucial milestone in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
Jazz’s CEO, Aamir Ibrahim, expressed optimism about the partnership, describing it as a pivotal moment in Jazz’s ongoing ServiceCo transformation strategy. He emphasized that by adopting an asset-light business model through this collaboration, Jazz will be able to focus more effectively on delivering innovative digital services to millions of Pakistanis. “This partnership with Engro Corp, a trusted and reputable organization, enables us to optimize the infrastructure layer while continuing to provide world-class digital solutions to our customers,” Ibrahim said.
Engro Holdings CEO Abdul Samad Dawood highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership from Engro’s perspective. He noted that technology and connectivity are essential drivers of economic progress and social prosperity. Through this investment, Engro is reinforcing its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s growth by strengthening telecom infrastructure, a sector critical to the country’s future development. “We are proud to enable growth and expand digital access for communities across Pakistan. This partnership reflects our long-standing dedication to empowering progress through innovation,” Dawood stated.
As the deal approaches completion, Jazz will maintain uninterrupted nationwide connectivity for its users by continuing to lease infrastructure assets from Deodar under a long-term agreement. This arrangement ensures that customers experience seamless service during and after the transition.
The partnership also allows Jazz to concentrate fully on its ServiceCo vision, which involves scaling its extensive portfolio of digital platforms including JazzCash, Tamasha, SIMOSA, FikrFree, Garaj, and GameNow. These platforms currently serve over 100 million users, offering a wide range of financial, entertainment, and digital services tailored to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
Overall, the collaboration between Jazz and Engro Corporation is expected to foster enhanced operational efficiencies, reduce capital expenditures, and accelerate infrastructure deployment across Pakistan. It represents a significant step forward in the country’s digital transformation journey by combining the expertise and resources of two leading organizations committed to expanding digital connectivity and innovation.
This strategic infrastructure partnership underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in building a robust digital ecosystem in Pakistan. By leveraging shared infrastructure assets, the telecom sector can support increasing demand for high-quality digital services while driving sustainable growth and inclusion across the nation.
