ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed changes to rules governing telecom mergers and transactions.

The proposal seeks to remove the current one-year limit for reconsidering regulatory approvals. Under the proposed change, the PTA could reopen its decisions whenever required.

The proposal is included in the authority’s comments on the draft Telecommunication Competition Rules, 2026. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication prepared the draft rules.

The ministry’s draft currently allows the PTA to review certain decisions within one year. It can revise, modify, or withdraw a determination during that period.

The PTA has suggested changing this provision. It wants the rules to allow reconsideration of decisions “as and when required.”

If approved, the amendment would remove the existing one-year restriction. This could allow the regulator to revisit telecom transaction approvals after longer periods.

The authority said changing market conditions could require a fresh review. Other factors could also include regulatory concerns and important new information.

The proposed rules cover several types of telecom transactions. These include mergers, acquisitions, amalgamations and joint ventures.

They also cover transfers of control and spectrum consolidation. Telecom restructuring could also fall under the proposed framework.

The rules would apply when a transaction could significantly affect competition. They also address market concentration and access to telecom infrastructure.

Consumer welfare is another factor covered by the proposed rules. Continuity of telecom services is also included in the framework.

Following a review, the PTA could take several regulatory actions. It could issue a no-objection certificate for the transaction.

The authority could also impose conditions specific to a transaction. These conditions could include behavioral or operational safeguards.

In some cases, the regulator could make recommendations to another competent authority. The final action would depend on the findings of the review.

The proposed amendment could give the regulator greater flexibility over telecom transactions. It would allow approvals to be reconsidered after the current one-year period.

However, the proposal is part of the draft rule-making process. Its adoption will depend on the final rules approved by the relevant authorities.

If the amendment is accepted, telecom companies could face reviews beyond the existing timeframe. Companies involved in major transactions may therefore need to consider changing market conditions.


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The proposed framework aims to provide a mechanism for addressing developments after an initial approval. Further details will become clear once the draft rules are finalized.