The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of 100 percent shareholding of Telenor Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. and Orion Towers (Pvt.) Ltd. by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). The approval comes with strict conditions to maintain competition and protect consumer interests.
The decision was announced during a press conference at the CCP head office. CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Member Salman Amin, Shahzad Hussain, Registrar CCP, and Head of Legal Ms. Ambreen Abbasi presented the key details.
CCP conducted a detailed review of the merger, examining market structure, concentration levels, efficiencies, and potential competition risks. The assessment also considered practices in similar international mergers in the US, UK, and EU.
Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the approval of the shareholding of Telenor ensures a level playing field for all telecom operators. He added that the merger is expected to improve service quality, expand product offerings, and accelerate technological innovation, including the rollout of 5G services in Pakistan.
Ms. Ambreen Abbasi explained that the shareholding of Telenor in PTCL will be subject to safeguards to prevent anti-competitive conduct. These include measures to avoid favoritism, predatory pricing, and barriers to market entry. She emphasized that the merger was approved conditionally, with ongoing oversight by CCP and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Member Salman Amin added that the conditions aim to secure non-discriminatory access and ensure the pass-through of efficiencies to consumers. He noted that the approval of the shareholding of Telenor reflects CCP’s commitment to fostering fair competition in the telecom sector.
The acquisition marks a significant development in Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape. It is expected to bring technological advancements and better services to consumers while maintaining competitive market dynamics.
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