The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has given conditional approval for the merger of Telenor Pakistan with Ufone (Pak Telecom Mobile Limited – PTML). This long-awaited move will create one of the largest mobile operators in the country.
PTA issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after both companies provided unconditional consent to the regulator’s conditions. The approval follows in-principle clearance given in March 2026. The merger will now move forward through a formal “scheme of arrangement” and will require final legal approval from the Islamabad High Court.
Once completed, the combined entity is expected to have around 70-72 million subscribers, making it the second-largest telecom operator after Jazz. It will also hold a large share of spectrum, which experts say can improve network coverage, speed, and efficiency through better infrastructure sharing.
The PTA has placed strict conditions to protect fair competition. PTCL, Ufone, and Telenor must continue operating as separate legal entities during the transition. Cross-subsidies are not allowed, and separate accounts must be maintained. Network integration, spectrum sharing, and tower decommissioning will need prior PTA approval.
PTCL has informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange about the development and promised to keep customers and stakeholders updated. Industry experts believe the merger will strengthen Pakistan’s telecom sector and support future 5G rollout, but some worry it may reduce competition and affect service choices in the long run.
Customers are assured that existing SIMs will continue to work normally during the integration process. The deal marks a major step toward a more consolidated three-player mobile market in Pakistan.