In a landmark development set to redefine the digital landscape of Pakistan, Jazz, the country’s leading digital operator, has successfully finalized its strategic infrastructure partnership with Engro Corporation Limited. This transaction, among the largest private-sector digital infrastructure deals in the nation’s history, signifies a major leap forward in the digital evolution of Pakistan.
The agreement involves the transfer of Jazz’s extensive telecommunications infrastructure assets, managed under its subsidiary Deodar (Private) Limited, to Engro Connect, a dedicated arm of Engro Corporation focused on digital connectivity. While the infrastructure ownership now rests with Engro Connect, Jazz will continue to operate and lease back these assets to maintain and expand its nationwide mobile voice and data services, forming the basis of a long-term operational partnership.
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, expressed the strategic significance of this collaboration. “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,” he said. “It accelerates our transformation into a full-fledged ServiceCo, with a portfolio spanning fintech, cloud, entertainment, and digital health. 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.”
The deal not only reflects Jazz’s ambition to transition into a service-oriented digital company but also highlights Engro’s growing footprint in the country’s technological landscape. Both companies share a long-term commitment to improving infrastructure efficiency, expanding digital access, and accelerating Pakistan’s digital enablement.
The agreement, initially announced on December 5, 2024, has now received all required regulatory approvals. These include endorsements from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), and the Islamabad High Court. With the regulatory green light, the deal is now fully operational, enabling both organizations to leverage each other’s strengths in technology and infrastructure.
The partnership between Jazz and Engro signals a transformative step in how digital infrastructure will be managed and optimized in Pakistan. With Jazz freeing up capital and operational resources by offloading tower infrastructure, it can intensify its focus on service innovation, customer experience, and expansion into areas like digital finance, cloud services, entertainment, and digital healthcare.
Engro Connect, on the other hand, is now positioned as a key player in the country’s digital ecosystem, managing critical telecom infrastructure and enabling broader connectivity. This move is expected to encourage further investment in digital infrastructure, boost operational efficiencies, and contribute to a more robust and inclusive digital economy.
As Pakistan continues its journey toward a tech-driven future, the Jazz-Engro tower infrastructure deal sets a precedent for strategic collaboration and efficient resource management within the telecom and digital sectors.