ISLAMABAD (Zubair Kasuri): UAE-based telecommunications giant Etisalat has formally appealed to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene in the ongoing merger process between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan. The appeal comes after the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) failed to make a decision on the proposed merger, which was first announced over a year ago.
According to sources within the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Etisalat’s letter to the Prime Minister outlines the ongoing delay and emphasizes Ufone’s significant investment and contributions to Pakistan’s telecommunications sector. The merger, which would see Ufone acquire Norwegian-owned Telenor Pakistan, has been stalled despite the submission of all necessary legal documentation to the CCP.
Etisalat expressed frustration with the prolonged decision-making process, noting that despite submitting comprehensive legal documents multiple times, the matter remains unresolved. The company’s letter urged Prime Minister Sharif to initiate a high-level inquiry and expedite the decision-making process. Etisalat highlighted the significant financial losses being incurred by both companies and the halted development progress due to the delay.
The appeal also pointed out that the ongoing delay not only affects the operational efficiency of the involved telecommunication firms but also leads to substantial losses in potential tax revenue for Pakistan’s national treasury.
Sources from both Ufone and Etisalat confirmed that the matter has been escalated to diplomatic channels. There is growing expectation that the Pakistani government will take swift action to address the issue and resolve the impasse in the coming days.
