PTCL President and Chief Executive Officer Hatem Bamatraf has confirmed that PTCL and the newly merged telecom entity comprising Ufone and Telenor Pakistan will participate in the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. He expressed confidence that authorities would address industry concerns and offer spectrum on conducive terms during the auction process.
Bamatraf made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference with Telenor Pakistan’s senior management, formally announcing PTCL’s acquisition of 100 per cent of Telenor Pakistan’s issued share capital and Orion Towers for Rs108 billion.
He did not comment on the long-standing issue of the $800 million withheld by Etisalat since 2006, when management control of PTCL was transferred to the UAE-based group.
Following completion of all regulatory approvals, Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers have become wholly owned subsidiaries of PTCL, alongside Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone) and U Microfinance Bank. However, Telenor Pakistan will continue to operate as a separate legal entity for the next five to six months, during which Ufone and Telenor Pakistan will be integrated into a single merged entity, known as MergeCo, subject to approvals from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Islamabad High Court.
Bamatraf said the MergeCo would focus on expanding network capabilities, optimising spectrum resources, and delivering seamless, secure, and digitally enabled services aligned with evolving customer needs and Pakistan’s broader digital ambitions.
Addressing Telenor Pakistan employees, he assured there would be no job losses, emphasising that the integration would prioritise people, talent continuity, and best industry practices. He said the combined organisation aims to become a stronger, future-ready telecom player serving customers more effectively while advancing Pakistan’s digital future.
Separately, the newly constituted Board of Directors of Telenor Pakistan has appointed Awais Vohra as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Telenor Pakistan will continue operating as an autonomous subsidiary of PTCL during the integration phase.
