Latest news with #AamirIbrahim
Business Recorder
08-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Experts outline transformative vision for digitally inclusive Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Leaders from Pakistan's telecom and technology sectors outlined a transformative vision for a digitally inclusive Pakistan at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit here. Against the backdrop of global momentum towards cashless economies and rapid technology adoption, speakers detailed how the country can leapfrog into a more connected future—provided it is supported by enabling regulatory policies, sustainable financial models, and inclusive social frameworks. A central pillar of this vision was the drive for universal internet access and affordable smartphones. In the session National Digital Transformation: Policy, Progress, and Cross Sector Collaboration, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz and Chairman of Mobilink Micro finance Bank, joined Khurram Ashfaque, CEO of Telenor Pakistan, and Sajjad Syed, Chairman of PASHA, in a discussion moderated by Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. The panel examined the role of telecom as a cross-sector enabler and the urgent need for policy reforms. 'The digital economy cannot progress unless connectivity is affordable and accessible to all, particularly those in rural areas and marginalized communities,' Aamir said. 'We are no longer in the business of just selling minutes and gigabytes. The future belongs to those who build ecosystems, not just networks. At Jazz, we've made a conscious and strategic shift from being a traditional telco to a ServiceCo—focused on enabling meaningful moments, driving digital inclusion, and creating platforms that improve lives and livelihoods across Pakistan', CEO, Jazz added. Panelists agreed that reforms in spectrum pricing, a more investment-friendly environment, and long-term planning are essential to unlocking the full potential of Pakistan's telecom sector. Digital inclusion, they stressed, is not only an economic imperative but also a matter of equity, requiring targeted and inclusive policies that go beyond infrastructure to address the usage gap. That focus on inclusion carried into the fireside chat from Cyber security to Digital Payments – Ensuring Trust in a Cashless Future, where the discussion shifted from infrastructure to user behaviour. The country's heavy reliance on cash was identified as a major barrier to digital transformation. 'The vast majority of retailers still deal in cash. The real competition is not between payment service providers—it's a collective battle against cash,' Aamir noted. In the session Connecting the Unconnected – What Works in Closing the Usage Gap, Kazim Mujtaba, President of the Consumer Division at Jazz, highlighted smartphone affordability and digital literacy as the foundation of digital progress. 'The smartphone is the first step—it's the gateway to participation in the digital economy, especially for women and underserved communities,' he said. Kazim detailed community initiatives targeting women in rural areas to build skills and confidence in using mobile technology. 'Connectivity is not a luxury—it's a necessity. Giving women digital access can have a transformative impact on families and communities,' he added. Talking about digital access as a gateway to life's essential services, he introduced Apna Clinic, an AI-powered health-tech platform that will provide teleconsultations, diagnostic services, and surgery bookings through a network of 30,000 doctors across 150 cities. He also highlighted Fikr Free, an insurtech application aimed at reducing Pakistan's substantial insurance gap among women and low-income groups by offering affordable and easily accessible coverage. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Jazz invests over Rs25.5bn in infrastructure expansion
KARACHI: With an investment of PKR 25.5 billion, Jazz has reported a strong growth of 17.7 percent in the first half of 2025, underscoring its commitment to driving Pakistan's digital transformation. The investment focuses on expanding 4G coverage, scaling digital platforms, and accelerating financial inclusion, ensuring that millions of Pakistanis benefit from affordable, high-quality digital services. Jazz delivered another strong quarter, with 2Q25 revenue up 15.3 percent year-on-year in local currency, driven by resilient telecom operations and 35.7 percent digital revenue growth, which contributed 28.1 percent of total revenue versus 23.9 percent last year. EBITDA rose 5.4 percent with a 41.6 percent margin, underscoring Jazz's shift to a Service Co, while capex of PKR 16 billion highlighted its commitment to strengthening Pakistan's digital infrastructure. With over 21 million monthly active users, Pakistan's leading digital financial service JazzCash processed a gross transaction value of PKR 11.7 trillion during the last twelve months as of Q2 2025. Its extensive network comprising 367,000 active merchants and nearly 107,000 active agents has facilitated considerable digitalization of society, with over 140,000 digital loans issued daily. Commenting on the financial results, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz said that second quarter results reflect not only strong financial performance but also our commitment to Pakistan's digital future. 'In the first half of the year, we accelerated investments in 4G, digital platforms, and financial inclusion, while optimizing our portfolio through initiatives like the Deodar transaction. These steps are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and future-ready economy, where connectivity and capability work together to improve the lives of millions of Pakistanis,' he added. During the quarter, Jazz's total subscribers reached 73.9 million, including 54.6 million 4G users, up 15.3 percent year-on-year, with 4G penetration rising to 73.9 percent. VoLTE users reached 32 million, while VoWiFi daily active users stood at 5.22 million, enabling seamless, high-quality calling even without cellular coverage. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Devastating climate events: ‘Digital technology can play central role in disaster preparedness, response'
ISLAMABAD: 'As Pakistan faces increasingly frequent and devastating climate events, digital technology must play a central role in disaster preparedness and response.' This was stated by Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, while talking to media. 'Climate change is no longer a future threat — it's our present reality,' Ibrahim said. 'The rains we once called extreme have become the new normal. In such situations, early warning systems are not just helpful, they're life-saving.' Ibrahim highlighted Jazz's partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to deliver geo-fenced emergency alerts to mobile users in vulnerable areas. 'We've built an early warning system that can deliver targeted messages within a critical 20-minute window,' he explained. 'Over 23 million Jazz users live in flood-prone regions. For them, the right message at the right time can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.' Beyond climate resilience, Ibrahim underscored the importance of accelerating Pakistan's digital transformation—starting with digital identity. Commenting on NADRA's upcoming pilot launch of a digital ID, he called it a vital step toward building a more inclusive and integrated digital ecosystem. 'A digital ID isn't just a replacement for paper—it's the foundation for access to financial services, mobile connectivity, and public support systems,' he said. 'Jazz is working closely with NADRA to bring this vision to life.' On the government's push for a cashless economy, Ibrahim emphasized the growing footprint of Raast QR payments, enabled by the State Bank of Pakistan. 'We now have around 400,000 shops with QR acceptance, and the goal is to reach 2 million. JazzCash is helping scale this by onboarding both merchants and mobile wallet users,' he said. 'We're not just talking about it—it's happening.' However, gaps in connectivity remain a major barrier. 'Ten percent of Pakistanis still lack basic 2G coverage. Until we fix that, no one will buy smartphones, and digital inclusion will remain out of reach,' Ibrahim warned. He called for a renewed focus on expanding infrastructure through partnerships like those with the Universal Service Fund (USF). Highlighting Pakistan's youth as a 'demographic dividend,' Ibrahim argued that digital access must be treated as a fundamental right. 'Every young person in Pakistan should have a smartphone and a mobile bank account. Only then can we truly empower them—with education, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial opportunity,' he said. 'We have 25 to 30 million out-of-school children. The only scalable solution is digital.' Ibrahim welcomed the creation of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) and the recent Digital Organization Ordinance, noting that Pakistan is showing intent to regulate the digital and crypto space responsibly. 'Regulation builds trust. Whether it's digital wallets or virtual assets, we need frameworks that offer confidence and enable growth,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan launches location-based SMS alerts to warn millions amid deadly monsoon floods
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a location-based SMS alert system to warn citizens in flood-prone areas of imminent weather threats, state media reported on Thursday, as the country grapples with deadly monsoon rains. The system, developed under the Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 – Monsoon), is a collaboration between the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Jazz, Pakistan's largest digital telecom operator. It uses geo-fencing technology to deliver real-time alerts to millions of mobile users living in high-risk zones, enabling timely evacuations or precautionary action. The move comes as torrential rains continue to batter parts of Pakistan, with over 80 killed since the start of the monsoon season in June. Over 23 million Jazz subscribers live in areas identified by the NDMA as vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related disasters. 'This is a powerful demonstration of how public-private collaboration can leverage technology to protect lives and strengthen communities,' Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, was quoted as saying in the APP statement. 'Our [Jazz] nationwide reach and location-based capabilities make us uniquely positioned to support NDMA in its mission to minimize disaster-related risks. As the monsoon season continues, this remains an ongoing effort aimed at reaching and protecting even more people in harm's way.' According to APP, the system sends out targeted SMS alerts using advanced geo-fencing techniques to people located directly within affected areas. These messages include clear, actionable instructions to help the public respond effectively to natural disasters. NDMA acknowledged the partnership with Jazz, 'which has enabled them to reach vulnerable populations quickly and effectively, using geo-fenced alerts to ensure no one is left uninformed in times of crisis,' APP reported. The partnership was formalized in March 2025 to enhance Pakistan's disaster preparedness using digital infrastructure. The system is designed to be scalable and responsive as weather patterns shift or new emergency zones emerge. NDMA officials say the alerts are part of a wider effort to modernize disaster response by integrating digital tools and expanding risk communication channels. The authority also disseminates information through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile app, social media, and mainstream news outlets. Pakistan has faced increasingly severe climate-related disasters in recent years, from catastrophic floods in 2022 to recurring heatwaves and droughts. The country ranks among the top ten nations most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, underscoring the urgent need for improved early warning and resilience systems.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Monsoon floods: Jazz, NDMA collaborate to issue geo-fenced SMS alerts
ISLAMABAD: In response to the ongoing monsoon floods affecting parts of the country, Jazz and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have successfully collaborated to deliver geo-fenced SMS alerts to millions of at-risk citizens. The alerts, triggered under the Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 – Monsoon), are designed to enhance public awareness and enable timely evacuation or precautionary measures in flood-prone areas. More than 23 million Jazz users live in regions identified as vulnerable by NDMA, making them the first in need of immediate, location-based risk communication. The initiative ensures that these individuals receive timely, targeted messages alerting them to impending threats, helping mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and potentially saving lives. Through partnership, NDMA and Jazz enhance the dissemination of timely information and alerts to vulnerable communities residing in high-temperature zones during heatwave periods. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, said, 'This is a powerful demonstration of how public-private collaboration can leverage technology to protect lives and strengthen communities. Our nationwide reach and location-based capabilities make us uniquely positioned to support NDMA in its mission to minimize disaster-related risks. As the monsoon season continues, this remains an ongoing effort aimed at reaching and protecting even more people in harm's way.' Team NDMA recognised the partnership with Jazz, which has enabled them to reach vulnerable populations quickly and effectively, using geo-fenced alerts to ensure no one is left uninformed in times of crisis. At the same time, effective mainstream media, social and digital media, and tools like the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile app help the public stay updated on weather patterns and advisories, reinforcing a broader commitment to risk communication and disaster preparedness. Jazz and NDMA formalised their partnership in March 2025 to enhance Pakistan's disaster preparedness and response capabilities through the use of advanced digital tools and communications infrastructure. The SMS alerts were delivered using advanced geo-fencing techniques, allowing NDMA to reach people directly in affected zones with clear, actionable information. These efforts form part of Jazz's broader strategy to support disaster preparedness and response through the power of technology. The system is designed to be scalable and responsive, ensuring rapid outreach as new risk zones emerge. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
