The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Wednesday approved the merger of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) with Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, while imposing strict conditions meant to preserve competition and protect consumers.
In a press conference at the CCP headquarters, Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmad Sidhu told media the merger’s approval accompanied conditions aimed at ensuring fair competition in the telecommunications market. “All telecom operators must have equal opportunity; the goal is better service quality, product range, and technological innovation, including accelerating 5G rollout,” he added.
The CCP officials said the merger would see PTCL acquiring 100% shareholding in both Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited and Orion Towers (Private) Limited. They said the CCP had conducted a comprehensive assessment of market structure, concentration levels, performance benefits, and risks before reaching its decision.
Among the key conditions seeking to mitigate competitive harm, the CCP has required the PTCL and the merged entities to have separate management and boards. Additionally, appointed chief executives and senior management must meet stringent eligibility criteria set out by the CCP and the PTCL must appoint an independent reviewer for five years to audit compliance, monitor transactions, and submit quarterly reports to the CCP.
The merger approval bars related-party deals and subsidies unless conducted transparently and competitively and requires the PTCL to ensure non‑discriminatory access for all operators. The PTCL has been directed to submit a list of its interconnect offers to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for approval.
PTCL has also been directed to seek PTA approval for wholesale pricing structures that involve IP bandwidth, long-distance, leased lines, and infrastructure services. Predatory pricing is prohibited. The merged entity must adhere to service quality standards, promote innovation, and obtain PTA approval for tariff plans. PTCL must also prove that claimed benefits reach consumers via lower prices, better services, and infrastructure investment.
If violations or anti‑competitive behavior are detected, the CCP may order PTCL to divest part of its business or assets.
Salman Amin, CCP member, said the conditions are intended to prevent dominance in pricing, discriminatory practices, or barriers to entry for new players, while enabling regulatory oversight by the CCP and PTA.
The CCP emphasized that its decision seeks to balance market development with consumer interests, aiming to keep Pakistan’s telecom sector open, competitive, and innovation-driven.