Pakistan’s telecom sector is moving closer to a major shift as the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) progresses into the final stages of reviewing the proposed acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). This review is a key requirement under local competition laws and ensures that market consolidation does not negatively affect consumers or industry competitiveness.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the CCP has been thoroughly examining market dynamics, potential impacts on pricing, service quality, infrastructure sharing, and overall market fairness. The regulator has already completed several rounds of data collection, stakeholder feedback, and internal assessments. The focus remains on whether the acquisition could create a dominant market position or limit competitive choices for telecom users in Pakistan.
PTCL, backed by e& (formerly Etisalat Group), aims to acquire 100% of Telenor Pakistan’s operations. If approved, the deal is expected to reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape by combining PTCL’s fixed-line expertise and fiber infrastructure with Telenor Pakistan’s large mobile user base. Industry analysts believe this merger could accelerate Pakistan’s digital connectivity goals, improve network coverage, and enable better integration of emerging technologies such as 5G.
However, the CCP’s final decision will depend on whether sufficient safeguards are in place to maintain fair competition. The regulator may impose conditions related to spectrum management, consumer protection, and market transparency before granting approval.
Once cleared, the acquisition will move toward closing formalities, including financial settlement and operational integration. This will mark one of the largest telecom mergers in Pakistan’s history, potentially influencing service standards and expanding digital access nationwide.
For now, the industry awaits the CCP’s concluding verdict, which is expected soon. The outcome will determine how Pakistan’s telecom sector evolves in the coming years and whether this consolidation will ultimately benefit consumers and the broader digital ecosystem.