Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited has formally moved to reshape the country’s telecom landscape by applying for regulatory approval to merge Telenor Pakistan with Ufone, according to official sources.
The application has been submitted to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, marking the first major regulatory step toward consolidating PTCL’s mobile operations following its recent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion.
The proposed merger aims to integrate Telenor’s assets and subscriber base with Ufone’s existing network infrastructure. Industry sources say the move is designed to strengthen PTCL Group’s position in the mobile segment by improving operational efficiency, network reach, and service quality.
The PTA is now expected to conduct a detailed review of the proposal, a process that sources say could take between six to eight weeks. During this period, the regulator will examine the combined entity’s business plan, tower and network infrastructure, and the consolidation of spectrum holdings and operating licenses.
A key focus of the review will be the merger’s impact on market competition and consumer interests. The authority is expected to closely assess spectrum concentration and ensure that the deal does not distort competition within Pakistan’s telecom sector.
If the PTA grants approval, the transaction will then move to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan for further regulatory clearance. The final step will require approval from the court through a “Scheme of Arrangement,” a mandatory legal process to complete the merger.
Sources familiar with the matter estimate that the full regulatory and legal process could take up to five to six months before the merger is formally concluded.
Telecom industry experts view the consolidation as a potentially transformative development. They believe the merger could lead to cost savings, better network coverage, and improved service offerings for customers. At the same time, analysts say the move may intensify competition among the remaining telecom operators, accelerating changes across the sector.
