PTCL begins fast-track takeover of Telenor Pakistan after PTA approval, setting stage for five-month merger and 5G rollout

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom sector is entering a decisive reshaping phase as Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) begins a five-to-six-month fast-track takeover and merger process after securing regulatory approval to acquire Telenor Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued PTCL a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the change in ownership, marking the first major regulatory milestone in one of the country’s largest telecom deals.

With the PTA approval in hand, PTCL will now approach the State Bank of Pakistan to complete foreign-exchange and legal formalities tied to the multibillion-rupee transaction. Subject to SBP clearance, the acquisition is expected to close in January, at which point PTCL will assume operational control of Telenor Pakistan.

Following the takeover, PTCL will file for merger approval—initiating another full round of PTA scrutiny. Industry officials expect the merger decision around March, after which the case will move to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for corporate authorisation. The complete acquisition-to-merger cycle is projected to conclude within five to six months, consolidating two major operators under PTCL Group.

Telecom insiders say the acquisition removes a major obstacle that has delayed Pakistan’s 5G rollout. Once PTCL controls both Ufone and Telenor Pakistan, the group will have consolidated spectrum visibility and financial capacity to plan for next-generation services.

“There is no more hurdle for 5G now,” an industry official said, noting that spectrum rationalisation and bidding strategies will be clearer once the merger framework is finalised.

In a statement, Telenor Asia said the PTA’s NOC demonstrates the regulator’s commitment to a stronger telecom 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 during the transition.”

Once complete, the PTCL-Telenor consolidation will reduce Pakistan’s roster of major mobile operators and create a larger, spectrum-rich entity positioned to compete effectively in upcoming 5G auctions. Market analysts say the merged structure could reshape competition, improve network quality through shared infrastructure, and accelerate Pakistan’s shift to next-generation telecom services after years of delay.