CCP Warns To Revoke PTCL Telenor Merger Over Violation
The Competition Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday said that it could revoke the PTCL-Telenor Merger over alleged involvement in anti-competitive practices.
CCP has announced strict conditions that PTCL management would have to comply.
” We can revoke the PTCL-Telenor Merger over anti-competitive practices and non-compliance of conditions,” CCP member Salman Ameen while addressing a press conference along with Chairman CCP.
CCP Chairman Dr Kabir Sidhu said the commission examined international telecom mergers in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union to draw comparisons.
He explained that the review included possible risks to competition, stakeholder concerns, and potential impacts on other telecom operators across Pakistan’s diverse telecom markets.
The chairman described the transaction as highly complex, involving multiple sub-markets, various integrations, and cross-border considerations within a global telecommunications industry framework.
Barrister Ambreen, senior legal advisor to the CCP, said the merger approval has been granted subject to several conditions to safeguard fair competition.
She informed that PTCL and its subsidiaries must undergo third party audits to ensure transparency and prevent anti-competitive practices in sensitive commercial areas.
Ambreen added that PTCL and the merged entity must maintain independent boards of directors and management teams to avoid conflicts of interest in decision-making.
Read More: CCP Chairman Announces PTCL Telenor Merger
According to her, no individual will be allowed to hold simultaneous positions in both entities, while a cooling-off period of three years has been imposed.
The CCP advisor further stated that the merger aims to enhance telecom services, expand coverage, and improve customer experience in both rural and urban regions.
She explained that spectrum consolidation will improve data speeds, while joint operations of 24,000 sites will accelerate the rollout of advanced 5G services nationwide.
Ambreen highlighted that duplication will be reduced, costs will be cut, and infrastructure sharing will strengthen Pakistan’s long-term digitalisation and connectivity roadmap.
CCP member Salman Ameen stressed that the merger will not discriminate against other operators and that the commission has ensured a level playing field.
He said PTCL has committed to expansion plans, new investments, and improved service delivery following the merger, which will be closely monitored by regulators.
Chairman Sidhu concluded that CCP will prioritise consumer welfare and competitive balance while ensuring the merger contributes positively to Pakistan’s telecom growth.
