At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim highlighted the critical role of mobile-powered Early Warning Systems (EWS) in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Speaking during a session titled “Leveraging Mobile for Effective Early Warning Systems,” Aamir emphasized how real-time, geo-targeted alerts could significantly reduce casualties and economic losses during disasters.
Aamir was part of a distinguished panel, including Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU; and Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, to discuss how mobile technology can improve disaster response. He stressed the need for real-time, telecom-driven alerts to protect vulnerable communities before disasters strike.
“Disasters don’t discriminate, but data can save lives—early warnings are key to proactive disaster response,” Aamir said. He reflected on Jazz’s disaster preparedness efforts, particularly in Pakistan, where climate-induced disasters like floods and wildfires have caused widespread devastation. The country’s vulnerability to climate change remains high, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The 2022 floods submerged one-third of Pakistan, affecting 33 million people, destroying two million homes, and displacing three million.
Aamir pointed out that robust EWS systems are crucial for reducing humanitarian and economic losses in such calamities. In 2024, Jazz and GSMA signed a Statement of Commitment to develop a mobile-enabled EWS in Pakistan, collaborating with key local stakeholders. Aamir emphasized the importance of AI-powered risk assessments and cross-sector coordination to improve disaster response.
Building on this foundation, Jazz is extending its partnership with Pakistan’s National Emergency Operations Center, an initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority. Despite technological progress, gaps in disaster preparedness remain. “Mobile is the most effective channel for delivering risk communications, yet public-private coordination is often lacking,” Aamir said, advocating for global standardization in disaster response frameworks.
Jazz’s collaboration with GSMA’s Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation (M4H) program is addressing these gaps. Mobile networks, which reach 95% of the global population, are essential for emergency alerts. Research suggests that a 24-hour warning can reduce disaster damage by 30%. At COP28, GSMA and mobile operators, including VEON, called for location-based SMS alerts and cell broadcasts, supporting the UN’s goal of universal early warning access by 2027.
Aamir reiterated Jazz’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness, especially in flood-prone and underserved regions. He emphasized the shift from reactive to proactive disaster management, using AI-powered alerts to minimize loss of life. “As Pakistan’s leading digital operator, Jazz remains committed to using mobile technology to protect vulnerable communities. Collective action is key to making disaster warnings faster, smarter, and more accessible,” Aamir concluded.
