PTCL Initiates Fast-Track Takeover of Telenor Pakistan: A Green Light for 5G?

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has officially kicked off a fast-track takeover of Telenor Pakistan, marking a transformative development for the telecom sector. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), enabling PTCL to execute a five-to-six-month consolidation plan that will fundamentally reshape the market.

This long-awaited move not only consolidates two major operators but effectively removes significant hurdles for Pakistan’s delayed 5G roadmap.

The Roadmap: SBP Approval & Merger Timeline

With the PTA’s regulatory nod secured, the acquisition has entered its critical final phase. PTCL officials confirmed that the company will next approach the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This step is vital to fulfil the necessary foreign exchange and legal requirements for the multi-billion rupee transaction.

• January 2026 Target: Once the SBP grants clearance, the deal is expected to formally close in January. This will hand over operational control of Telenor Pakistan to PTCL.
• Merger Phase: Following the takeover, PTCL will initiate a second regulatory round. The PTA aims to decide on the merger application by March 2026, before passing the matter to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for final corporate approval.

Overall, the entire acquisition-to-merger cycle is projected to take just five to six months.

PTCL-Telenor Merger: Clearing the Path for 5G

Industry experts view this consolidation as a strategic masterstroke for Pakistan’s digital future. Previously, the fragmented market structure was a stumbling block for next-generation technology. Now, with PTCL Group owning both Ufone and Telenor Pakistan, the entity will possess clear visibility on spectrum holdings and financial bandwidth. A telecom official noted there is no more hurdle for 5G now.

The combined group will leverage a rationalised spectrum strategy, securing a robust position to bid for upcoming 5G auctions. Experts predict this consolidation will accelerate the country’s migration to high-speed next-generation services.

Telenor Asia Confirms Transition

In an official statement released today, Telenor Asia acknowledged the development. The company termed the PTA’s approval as a reflection of the regulator’s commitment to the sector.

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.

PTCL-Telenor Merger: A New Market Structure

Once completed, this deal will reduce the number of major mobile operators in Pakistan from four to three. The emerging entity will rival the current market leader in terms of subscriber base and network reach.

For the consumer, this consolidation promises a future of improved network quality through shared infrastructure. As the market stabilises, the focus will likely shift from price wars to service innovation, setting the stage for a digitally connected Pakistan.