ISLAMABAD: In a major shake-up for Pakistan’s telecom sector, the PTCL has kicked off a five-to-six-month fast-track takeover and merger process after securing the PTA’s approval to acquire Telenor Pakistan — a move set to reshape the market, clear the path for 5G, and create one of the country’s most dominant telecom groups.
Pakistan’s long-delayed telecom consolidation is finally gathering pace, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) moves into the final stretch to acquire Telenor Pakistan—setting the stage for a major reshaping of the mobile market and clearing a strategic path toward 5G readiness.
The PTCL has secured the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for change in ownership, marking the first key regulatory milestone. Officials confirmed that PTCL will now approach the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to fulfil foreign exchange and legal requirements linked to the multibillion-rupee buyout.
Once SBP grants clearance, the transaction is expected to formally close in January, enabling the PTCL to take operational control of Telenor Pakistan.
Merger to follow in a second regulatory round
After the takeover, PTCL will initiate the merger approval process, requiring another round of scrutiny by the PTA. Industry sources said the PTA’s merger decision is expected around March, after which the file will move to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for the final corporate approval.
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Overall, the acquisition-to-merger cycle is expected to take five to six months, completing one of the largest telecom deals in recent years and effectively consolidating two major operators under the PTCL Group umbrella.
5G rollout: Hurdles cleared
Telecom officials say the acquisition removes a significant stumbling block in Pakistan’s delayed 5G roadmap.
With the PTCL already owning Ufone, and soon to own Telenor Pakistan, the group will have two operating companies with clear visibility on spectrum holdings, network requirements, and financial bandwidth.
“There is no more hurdle for 5G now,” an official said, noting that the PTCL will be in a strong position to rationalise spectrum needs and bids once the merger framework is finalised.
Telenor Asia confirms transition
In an official statement, Telenor Asia said the PTA’s approval reflects the regulator’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s telecom sector.
“The PTA has today issued its ‘No Objection Certificate’ for the change in ownership control of Telenor Pakistan to PTCL. We appreciate the PTA’s careful consideration, reflecting its continued commitment to strengthen Pakistan’s telecoms sector.”
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“The final closing of the sale of Telenor Pakistan to PTCL is expected as soon as possible, when legal requirements are fulfilled. Telenor Pakistan will continue operations as usual serving their customers across Pakistan together with their partners and vendors in this transition,” said Telenor Asia.
A new market structure ahead
Once completed, the PTCL-Telenor consolidation will reduce the number of major mobile operators in Pakistan and create a stronger, more spectrum-rich entity poised to compete for upcoming 5G auctions.
Industry insiders say the merger could redefine market dynamics, improve network quality through shared infrastructure, and potentially accelerate Pakistan’s long-delayed migration to next-generation telecom services.
