Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has formally initiated a fast-track acquisition of Telenor Pakistan following approval from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The regulator issued a No Objection Certificate, allowing PTCL to commence a five-to-six-month consolidation plan that is expected to reshape the telecom landscape. Industry observers note that this long-awaited move not only merges two major operators but also removes significant obstacles in Pakistan’s delayed 5G rollout, positioning the combined entity to pursue next-generation network deployment with greater efficiency.
With PTA approval secured, PTCL is preparing to approach State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to complete foreign exchange and legal requirements necessary for the multi-billion rupee transaction. Officials confirmed that upon SBP clearance, the acquisition is expected to formally close in January 2026, transferring operational control of Telenor Pakistan to PTCL. Following the takeover, a second regulatory phase will begin, with PTA reviewing the merger application and forwarding it to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for final corporate approval. The entire process, from acquisition to merger, is projected to span approximately five to six months.
Analysts say this consolidation is a strategic move for Pakistan’s telecom future. With PTCL Group now owning both Ufone and Telenor Pakistan, the company will gain clear oversight of spectrum allocations, financial bandwidth, and operational scale. This rationalized spectrum strategy is expected to provide a stronger position in upcoming 5G auctions, enabling a faster rollout of high-speed services. A telecom official noted that the merger removes existing hurdles for 5G adoption, allowing the country to advance its digital infrastructure and deliver improved connectivity to consumers. The combined entity is expected to rival the current market leader in terms of subscriber base and network reach, potentially shifting the focus from competitive price wars toward service innovation.
Telenor Asia issued an official statement acknowledging PTA’s approval as a demonstration of the regulator’s commitment to supporting the sector. The company confirmed that operations will continue as usual during the transition, maintaining service for customers and working with partners and vendors to ensure a smooth handover. For consumers, the consolidation promises improved network quality through shared infrastructure and more streamlined service management. Experts suggest that as the new market structure stabilizes, investment in advanced telecom technologies and enhanced customer experience will likely accelerate, contributing to a more digitally connected Pakistan.
This acquisition marks one of the most significant telecom consolidations in recent years, reducing the number of major mobile operators in Pakistan from four to three. By combining resources, spectrum holdings, and operational expertise, PTCL is positioning itself to lead the market not only in subscriber numbers but also in network modernization, setting a foundation for Pakistan’s 5G ecosystem and long-term digital transformation.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
