Global digital operator VEON has increased its planned investment in Pakistan from $1 billion to $1.5 billion over the next three years, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Tuesday. The additional $500 million raises the company’s previously announced investment commitment as Pakistan continues efforts to attract foreign capital and expand private-sector participation in the digital economy. Aurangzeb disclosed the development during a virtual address at the SDGs Investment Fair 2026, organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan in Karachi. He described the increase as a significant jump and linked it to continued interest from international investors in Pakistan.
VEON had earlier announced a $1 billion investment plan for Pakistan covering a three-year period, with the company intending to expand connectivity, modernise digital infrastructure and accelerate technology-led services. The revised commitment takes the planned investment to $1.5 billion, adding another $500 million to the earlier figure. VEON operates in Pakistan through Jazz, which serves as the group’s core connectivity business under the JazzWorld structure. JazzWorld has expanded beyond traditional telecommunications into areas including financial services, banking, insurance, artificial intelligence, data centres and other digital platforms. (
The increased investment plan comes as VEON continues to expand its telecommunications infrastructure and digital services in Pakistan. In March 2026, VEON’s subsidiary Jazz secured the largest allocation in Pakistan’s mobile spectrum auction, acquiring 190 MHz across several frequency bands. The auction increased the total spectrum available to mobile operators from 274 MHz to 754 MHz, while Jazz committed approximately $239.5 million in Pakistani rupee equivalent for its spectrum allocation. VEON said Jazz would continue investing in network rollout and optimisation to support connectivity and digital services across the country.
VEON and JazzWorld have also been increasing their focus on digital infrastructure beyond mobile connectivity. In September, VEON and JazzWorld leadership discussed investment opportunities in data centres, cloud services, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure during a meeting with SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu. VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu described Pakistan as a long-term investment market and highlighted the need for infrastructure and financial models that can support the country’s digital economy. The latest increase in the investment plan adds to these commitments and comes as Pakistan seeks greater foreign investment, wider connectivity and expansion of technology-driven services.
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