Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group, a leading telecommunications and digital services company, at PM House to discuss investment prospects and strategies to promote Pakistan’s digital economy, according to state broadcaster PTV on X.
During the meeting, the prime minister underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing digital investment in the country. He highlighted last month’s successful 5G spectrum auction, in which 480 megahertz (MHz) were sold for $507 million.
The auction saw three major telecom operators — Zong, Jazz, and Ufone — competing for the 2,600MHz band, a crucial frequency for 5G services. Zong acquired 110MHz, Ufone secured 180MHz, and Jazz obtained 190MHz.
PM Shehbaz also outlined the government’s initiatives to digitise the economy, including improving transparency and increasing youth engagement in the IT sector.
The VEON CEO praised the investment potential in Pakistan and welcomed the government’s push toward a cashless economy. He expressed the company’s intent to further expand its investment in the country.
Beyond the spectrum auction, the government is focusing on expanding satellite-based internet services, linking Pakistan to international cable systems to position the country as an internet transit hub, and enhancing fibre-optic networks nationwide.