KARACHI: VEON, a global digital operator that offers mobile connectivity and services, plans to invest $1.5 billion in Pakistan over the next three years. The company had earlier planned to invest $1 billion.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared the news on Tuesday. He said the larger amount shows that foreign investors remain interested in Pakistan.
“This is a significant jump,” Aurangzeb said. He was speaking online at an event in Karachi called SDGs Investment Fair 2026: Investing in Pakistan’s Sustainable Future. The event was organized by UNDP Pakistan.
The investment boost comes as Pakistan tries to bring in more foreign money and grow private business while working to steady its economy.
Earlier this year, VEON announced its first $1 billion plan during a meeting with the finance minister. The goal was to improve internet access, upgrade infrastructure and speed up digital growth in the country.
Aurangzeb also said foreign investors are showing more interest in Pakistan’s privatization program. He said three Turkish companies want to take part in the sale of the first power distribution company being offered.
“We have the basic hygiene, which is being recognized at the local and international level,” he said.
Talking about the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Aurangzeb said 11 companies went public last fiscal year, and five more did so in the last quarter.
“As you know, Khaadi is coming in with their IPO, and there are about 22 REITs, which are expected to list over the next couple of years,” he said.
He added that when companies raise money on the stock exchange, it usually means they want to invest, grow their local business or open new units.
