In a groundbreaking move set to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation, the country’s leading digital operator Jazz has officially concluded a landmark infrastructure partnership with Engro Corporation Limited—one of Pakistan’s most prominent conglomerates. The deal marks one of the largest private-sector infrastructure transactions in the nation’s digital evolution and sets the stage for long-term digital growth.
Landmark Partnership Finalized
As part of this strategic agreement, Jazz’s vast telecom infrastructure assets—previously managed under Deodar (Private) Limited—have now been transferred to Engro Connect, a wholly owned subsidiary of Engro Corp. Despite the transfer of assets, Jazz will continue to lease and utilize the infrastructure under a long-term operational partnership to deliver its mobile voice and data services across Pakistan.
This transformative partnership reflects a shift in Jazz’s operational model towards becoming an asset-light ServiceCo, focusing more on delivering end-to-end digital services such as fintech, cloud solutions, entertainment, and digital healthcare, while leaving infrastructure management to a specialized partner.
A Digital-First Future
Speaking on the successful completion of the deal, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said:As we pivot to a digital-first future, this milestone enables us to remain asset-light while doubling down on what we do best—delivering impactful, tech-driven solutions for Pakistan’s evolving needs. It accelerates our transformation into a full-fledged ServiceCo, with a portfolio spanning fintech, cloud, entertainment, and digital health.
He also acknowledged the instrumental support provided by government bodies in facilitating the deal:
We are grateful to the Government of Pakistan and regulatory bodies for their timely support, and we look forward to working with Engro Corp to build the infrastructure powering Pakistan’s digital future.
Regulatory Green Light
The partnership, initially announced on December 5, 2024, has now been officially completed after obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals, including from:
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
- Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)
- Islamabad High Court
This regulatory endorsement highlights the government’s support for private-sector innovation and public-private partnerships in strengthening the nation’s digital backbone.
Strategic Vision & Commercial Synergy
This strategic realignment not only ensures operational efficiency but also paves the way for commercial and technological synergy between two of Pakistan’s most forward-looking organizations. Jazz and Engro both share a unified vision: to foster technological enablement, improve infrastructure utilization, and support Pakistan’s long-term digital ambitions.
Through this partnership:
- Jazz will gain greater flexibility and scalability by focusing on service delivery instead of infrastructure ownership.
- Engro will expand its digital footprint by managing one of the country’s most extensive telecom infrastructure portfolios.
Engro’s Growing Role in Digital Infrastructure
Engro Corp, traditionally known for its leadership in energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors, has increasingly been diversifying into technology and digital services. With this agreement, its subsidiary Engro Connect becomes a critical player in telecom infrastructure, managing towers and network components crucial for national connectivity.
The move aligns with Engro’s broader vision to support Pakistan’s socio-economic growth through tech-driven infrastructure investments.
National Impact and Future Roadmap
This historic transaction comes at a time when Pakistan’s digital ecosystem is rapidly expanding. With increasing internet penetration, growing demand for cloud services, and the emergence of AI-powered platforms, the need for reliable, scalable, and efficient telecom infrastructure has never been more critical.
By transferring infrastructure responsibilities to Engro, Jazz can:
- Focus more intensively on digital innovation
- Introduce new services more rapidly
- Ensure uninterrupted and improved customer experiences
This partnership also sends a strong signal to investors and stakeholders—highlighting Pakistan’s potential as a dynamic digital market ready for international collaboration and large-scale transformation.
The successful closing of the Jazz-Engro infrastructure agreement marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital journey. It exemplifies how public-private collaboration, regulatory support, and strategic foresight can converge to build robust, future-ready infrastructure.
As Jazz transforms into a service-centric company and Engro scales up its digital footprint, this partnership is poised to redefine connectivity and digital access across the country—bringing Pakistan one step closer to its goal of a digitally empowered future.
