Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Telenor Pakistan has appointed Bilal Javed Bhatti as Chief Business Officer. A 20-year industry veteran, Bhatti has led digital, sales, and fintech initiatives within the company, underscoring Telenor’s commitment to local leadership and innovation-driven growth.
The CCP has ordered PTCL to separate its operations from the newly merged Ufone-Telenor entity to safeguard competition and transparency. The directive enforces strict governance, independent management, and regular oversight to ensure profitability and prevent anti-competitive practices in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan has conditionally approved PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, requiring strict oversight, separate governance, and fair access guarantees. If PTA clearance follows, the merger will create the country’s second-largest operator with 70 million subscribers, reshaping Pakistan’s telecom landscape.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has cast doubt over the PTCL–Telenor merger, citing concerns about PTCL’s finances, ethics, and transparency. The CCP has demanded binding investment commitments and clarity on funding sources, warning that vague or incomplete responses undermine the merger’s viability and competitive impact.
The PTCL-Ufone acquisition of Telenor Pakistan remains stuck pending CCP approval, delaying network upgrades, weakening market competition, and slowing 5G readiness, as rivals gain ground and sector uncertainty grows.
The PTA has issued an enforcement order against Telenor Pakistan for not meeting QoS standards. Despite improvements in some areas, Telenor must deploy a new site in Swabi by June 2025. The PTA warned of further actions if the operator fails to meet standards after reassessment.
Telenor Pakistan has launched two initiatives—‘Nayi Raah,’ a flexible part-time work model, and an Executive MBA scholarship program in partnership with LUMS. These initiatives are designed to empower female employees, supporting their work-life balance and professional growth, and align with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action.’
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is expected to announce its decision on PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers soon. The Phase-II review is nearing completion, focusing on concerns over competition and market dominance. The decision will address potential remedies to mitigate negative effects on the market.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has completed its Phase-II review of PTCL’s $400 million acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers. The deal, which involves significant changes in market share across various telecom sectors, is being carefully examined to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests.
STZA and Telenor Pakistan have signed an MoU to drive innovation, empower youth, and strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. The partnership will foster youth development through initiatives like innovation challenges, while supporting emerging technologies and local startups, positioning Pakistan as a key technology hub in the region.