The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has formally approved Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited’s (PTCL) proposed acquisition of Telenor Pakistan BV and Orion Towers (Private) Limited, marking a major step in the telecom sector’s ongoing consolidation.
According to PTCL’s notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the CCP issued its Phase-II Order under the Competition Act, 2010 and the Competition (Merger Control) Regulations, 2016. This order comes after an extensive review process to evaluate potential competition concerns in Pakistan’s telecom market.
PTCL stated that while this approval is a milestone, the transaction’s completion remains conditional on further corporate and regulatory clearances, final agreements, and closing formalities.
In a separate statement, PTCL expressed gratitude to the CCP for its comprehensive assessment and due diligence.
“We deeply appreciate the CCP’s efforts to safeguard the sustainability of Pakistan’s telecom industry. This is a historic moment for our customers, partners, and the wider telecom community who have awaited this announcement,” the company said.
The telecom giant added that the merger would create a stronger, more efficient operator by bringing together the strengths of Ufone (PTML) and Telenor Pakistan, ensuring better network coverage, improved service quality, and cutting-edge digital offerings. The combined entity is also expected to boost nationwide connectivity and align with the government’s vision of a digitally empowered Pakistan.
A Landmark Review by CCP
The CCP’s review of the merger is being described as one of the most rigorous in its history. The regulator applied the Substantial Lessening of Competition (SLC) Test to assess whether the acquisition could distort market dynamics.
Multiple telecom segments were analyzed, including:
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Cellular mobile services
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Long-distance and international (LDI) services
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Fixed-line and leased line operations
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IP bandwidth services
Between September 2024 and August 2025, CCP conducted five public hearings and several closed-door sessions with PTCL, Telenor, and industry stakeholders. The Commission also scrutinized detailed regulatory accounts, interconnection agreements, and business plans before reaching its decision.
Despite delays and complexities in disclosures, the CCP maintained strict oversight to ensure transparency and compliance before granting approval.
What’s Next?
Industry experts believe the PTCL–Telenor merger could reshape Pakistan’s telecom sector by enabling stronger competition against Jazz and Zong, while offering customers improved digital experiences. However, the final integration hinges on approvals from other regulatory bodies and the fulfillment of corporate obligations.
