Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a meeting with CEO of the multinational telecommunications and digital services company VEON Kaan Terzioglu. Photo: PMO
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to facilitate foreign investment in Pakistan’s digital economy as VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu expressed interest in expanding operations in the country.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) statement on X, the prime minister said during a meeting with a VEON delegation in Islamabad that the government was providing “all possible facilitation” to investors in the digital and telecom sectors, citing the recent 5G spectrum auction as proof of Pakistan’s “positive and effective direction” towards innovation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to increase international investment in information technology while ensuring transparency through digitization of the economy.
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Group CEO of multinational telecommunications and digital services company VEON, Mr. Kaan Terzioglu called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/AFuP5pu6Nq
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) 1 April 2026
“The government is taking practical steps, in coordination with all institutions, to facilitate international investors,” the prime minister said, adding that promoting a cashless economy through effective use of IT remained a key priority.
The statement said that during the meeting, the Prime Minister noted that after the 5G spectrum auction, relevant institutions worked in coordination to ensure the provision of high-quality Internet services.
“He also emphasized the role of Pakistan’s youth and said their growing interest in IT and digital platforms made the country an attractive destination for global investors,” it added.
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Appreciating the government’s efforts to increase transparency and improve the investment climate, Terzioglu said Pakistan had moved “rapidly” towards achieving a digital economy and rolling out 5G services.
He also praised initiatives aimed at promoting a cashless economy and expressed VEON’s intention to further increase investment in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Finance Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim and other senior officials.
