Amsterdam, Dubai and Islamabad, 05 November 2024 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON), a global digital operator, announces that JazzCash, its fintech platform in Pakistan, has joined hands with the Benazir Income Support Programme (“BISP”) to distribute cash support, provided by the Government of Pakistan, to women beneficiaries. The first batch of disbursements within the scope of this partnership, which supports Pakistan’s fight against poverty. has been completed in 3 cities.

Launched in 2008, BISP is a Pakistan Government initiative that provides unconditional cash transfers to female beneficiaries to reduce poverty and provide a national social safety net.

JazzCash, in collaboration with Mobilink Microfinance Bank, will channel cash payments totaling PKR 78 billion (~USD 187m) to 1.3 million BISP-registered women beneficiaries across Pakistan by the end of next year. So far, JazzCash has successfully transferred PKR 15 billion to beneficiaries in the Hyderabad, Matiari and Rahim Yar Khan regions.

Murtaza Ali, President of JazzCash, said: “We are proud to partner with BISP, the country’s leading social protection programme, in the vital mission of alleviating poverty, and raising living standards, especially for women. We are committed to providing financial access to millions of underserved citizens. By offering affordable payment solutions and credit, JazzCash is playing a crucial role in bridging the financial inclusion gap across the country.”

As Pakistan’s largest fintech platform, JazzCash has developed a comprehensive payments infrastructure to ensure safe, dignified, and accessible disbursements to beneficiaries. Dedicated disbursement centres offer support and specific training to ensure that beneficiaries are well-informed about the process and encouraged to use funds effectively. Through this and other initiatives, JazzCash is also helping to increase financial literacy among the most vulnerable in the country. In addition, JazzCash has also set up a complaint management unit that employs customersupport agents who speak regional languages ensuring timely and effective assistance.

With VEON’s Digital Operator 1440 strategy, our digital operators serve the millions of underserved customers and businesses of all sizes with access to digital financial services, healthcare, education, entertainment, enterprise solutions and connectivity. With products and initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, VEON companies support poverty alleviation and sustainability in the 6 markets we proudly serve.