Aamir Ibrahim: The Architect of Pakistan’s Digital Future at Davos
At the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, global leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss the shifting dynamics of the global economy. Among them was Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz and Group Executive Committee Member of VEON, who represented Pakistan’s digital ambitions on the world stage.
VEON, the largest Nasdaq-listed company with its headquarters in Dubai, is a global digital operator, providing integrated connectivity and digital services across six countries. In his role at VEON, Aamir brings Pakistan’s expertise, particularly in the financial services sector, to drive change in some of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Since assuming leadership at Jazz and Mobilink Microfinance Bank in July 2016, Aamir has driven significant advancements, maintaining Jazz’s position as Pakistan’s leading digital operator, serving over 100 million customers across telecom, banking, entertainment, and more. Jazz has invested over USD 10.8 billion since its inception to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. In recognition of Aamir’s contributions to the country’s telecommunications and digital financial sectors, he was honoured with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
His message at Davos was clear: Pakistan is at a critical juncture. "Pakistan’s economy is resilient. Connectivity, financial empowerment, and strong policy are the driving forces behind the country’s positive momentum," he emphasized.
Pakistan’s Digital Growth
Pakistan’s digital economy is projected to grow rapidly, driven by expanding broadband, fintech growth, and increased investment in AI-driven services. The country is also seeing a boom in IT-enabled services, with thousands of companies employing skilled IT professionals.
“Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its digital transformation,” Ibrahim said. “With growing smartphone adoption, the rise of fintech, and key government initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a digital-first economy that will drive long-term economic growth and inclusion.” Aamir also shared a message of hope for the youth: “Let’s not be daunted by the challenges. The challenges are opportunities, and there are more opportunities in Pakistan’s digital economy now than ever before.”
Under Aamir’s leadership, Jazz, JazzCash, and Mobilink Microfinance Bank are committed to ensuring a smartphone in every hand, broadband in every home, a QR code in every local store, and expanding offerings in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) financing to power economic growth and advance Pakistan’s digital agenda.
JazzCash: Accelerating Financial Inclusion
A standout success in Pakistan’s digital economy has been JazzCash, the country’s largest mobile wallet, serving over 48 million customers. "Financial inclusion isn’t just about payments; it’s about enabling economic mobility," Ibrahim emphasized. JazzCash has evolved into a transformative platform for financial services, and Aamir is committed to advancing this mission, contributing to VEON’s goal of empowering underserved communities and driving sustainable, inclusive growth in emerging markets.
Expanding the Digital Frontier
The opportunity extends beyond fintech to other sectors such as data centers and software, where Pakistan is rapidly growing and positioning itself as a key player in the global IT landscape. “Our investments in these sectors will elevate Pakistan's presence on the world stage,” said Aamir.
With Jazz’s recently announced ServiceCo structure, it is now more agile in responding to evolving customer needs across fintech, cloud services, data centers, software, IT services, and connectivity. The company has also begun incorporating AI into its operations and plans to expand its data hosting capacity in the next three years.
Pakistan on the Global Stage
Aamir’s presence at Davos represents more than just corporate leadership; it symbolizes Pakistan’s increasing influence in global digital transformation discussions. With its young, tech-savvy population (64% of Pakistanis are under 30), Pakistan is positioned as an attractive market for technology-driven economic growth. Further confidence-building measures will accelerate this trajectory.
"Pakistan’s potential is undeniable," Ibrahim stated. "Our digital economy is not just about technology; it’s about creating opportunities, building resilience, and ensuring that our people have the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world."
With visionary leaders like Aamir Ibrahim at the helm, Pakistan’s digital revolution is rapidly taking shape. From the global stage at Davos to the streets of Karachi and Islamabad, momentum is growing towards a more connected, financially inclusive, and economically empowered future for all Pakistanis.