Islamabad: From highlighting the need for affordable smartphones and universal internet to pushing for a cashless, inclusive economy, Jazz leadership laid out a compelling vision for Pakistan's digital future at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit in Islamabad. CEO Jazz and Chairman Mobilink Bank, Aamir Ibrahim, and President Consumer Division at Jazz, Kazim Mujtaba, participated in high-impact discussions that emphasized regulatory reforms, digital trust, infrastructure investment, and targeted efforts to bridge the rural-urban and gender digital divide.
In the session Building a Future-Ready Digital Pakistan, Aamir Ibrahim emphasized the need for universal and affordable internet connectivity to support the country's digital ambitions. The panel, moderated by Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, included industry leaders like Khurram Ashfaque, CEO Telenor Pakistan, and Sajjad Syed, Chairman PASHA.
Aamir underscored the role of telecom as a cross-sector enabler and advocated for a supportive business environment for telecom operators. He stressed the importance of affordable smartphones and universal internet access, alongside reforms in spectrum allocation to enable stronger network expansion.
In another session, Trust by Design - Building Confidence in the Digital Economy, Aamir argued that Pakistan's reliance on cash remains a significant obstacle to a digital economy. He proposed mandatory digital payment options at retail outlets and highlighted the need for inclusivity in the digital transition.
Aamir acknowledged that trust is a challenge due to fraud risks, noting that JazzCash prioritizes direct customer feedback for product improvement. He stated, "Inclusion is everything. The digital economy must be accessible to every Pakistani, regardless of geography, income, or gender."
Kazim Mujtaba, in the session Connecting the Unconnected - What Works in Closing the Usage Gap, emphasized affordability and literacy as critical factors in closing Pakistan's usage gap. He highlighted Jazz's efforts in educating women in rural areas and introduced new digital health and insurance platforms aimed at underserved populations.
Kazim introduced ApnaClinic, an AI-powered health platform, and FikrFree, an insurtech product, both designed to make essential services more accessible. He stressed the importance of digital literacy, particularly for women, as key to building an inclusive digital future.
The Jazz leadership called for collective action to invest in educating women and youth, aiming to shape a connected, skilled, and informed future for Pakistan's digital landscape.