Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is nearing completion of its review of the proposed PTCL–Telenor merger and is expected to issue a comprehensive decision within the next two weeks. CCP chairman Kabir Sidhu shared this update during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology on Friday, noting the strategic importance of PTCL for Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape. Sidhu emphasised that reviews of major corporate transactions require considerable time to ensure due diligence and compliance with competition laws, but confirmed that a final order on the merger would be forthcoming shortly.
Sidhu further clarified that the commission had thoroughly assessed the implications of the merger and was finalising its recommendations. The update follows growing concerns over the prolonged regulatory approval process, which has spanned 21 months since the transaction was announced in December 2023. Telenor had previously expressed frustration over the delays, highlighting that similar telecom consolidation approvals in Asia, including the Mobilink-Warid merger that created Jazz in 2016, were completed within a few months. The merger between Telenor Pakistan and PTCL is expected to form the country’s second-largest mobile operator, controlling an estimated 36% of the mobile subscriber base and 32% of the revenue market share.
Telenor’s Head of M&A, Arnstein Sletmoe, noted that the proposed transaction remains within the standard thresholds for approved mergers across Asia, many of which involve even higher market concentrations. The company also highlighted concerns regarding the delay compared with regional telecom markets, arguing that the merger is consistent with global practices and would strengthen sector competitiveness. According to CCP, the commission had recently sought further clarity from PTCL on several key matters, including the proposed acquisition of 100% shareholding in Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers (Private) Limited, indicating that regulators are focused on understanding potential market and operational implications before granting approval.
While the final decision remains pending, the CCP’s statements signal that the order could be issued imminently, providing clarity for both companies and investors. The merger is expected to reshape Pakistan’s mobile market by consolidating network coverage, expanding subscriber reach, and enhancing operational efficiencies. Officials from both CCP and the companies involved have maintained that the transaction aligns with the country’s telecom policies and regulatory framework, aiming to strengthen the sector while protecting consumer interests. Stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely, anticipating that the final approval will facilitate enhanced competition, broader service offerings, and improved infrastructure investment in the Pakistani telecom sector.
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