PTCL Seals Full Takeover of Telenor Pakistan in Major Telecom Consolidation

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has completed the purchase of 100% shares of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, closing one of the largest telecom deals in recent years and changing the competitive shape of the sector.

The deal was finalised on December 31 after approvals from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), according to company statements and reports by Dawn. With the process complete, Telenor Pakistan is now a fully owned subsidiary of PTCL.

Industry experts say the acquisition shows a clear move toward consolidation in Pakistan’s telecom market, which has been under pressure due to falling revenues, high spectrum costs, and lower profit margins.

PTCL said Telenor Pakistan will continue to operate as a separate company during the transition period. Any merger or integration with PTCL’s mobile unit, Ufone 4G, will take place gradually and will require further regulatory approval.

The CCP had earlier given conditional approval to the deal, placing safeguards to protect competition and consumers and to limit market dominance. The PTA granted its final approval in December, clearing the last major hurdle.

According to Dawn, the combined subscriber base of PTCL and Telenor makes the group the second-largest telecom operator in Pakistan, after Jazz and ahead of Zong. This wider reach is expected to improve PTCL’s presence in both cities and rural areas.

PTCL officials called the acquisition a “strategic milestone,” saying the combined networks, spectrum, and infrastructure will help improve service quality, expand digital access, and support future technologies.

The timing is also important as Pakistan prepares for 5G spectrum auctions, giving PTCL a stronger position in upcoming bids. Analysts say the deal could improve efficiency, though some concerns remain about competition and pricing.

Overall, the completion of the Telenor acquisition marks a new phase for Pakistan’s telecom industry, with fewer operators, larger networks, and higher competition stakes.

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