The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approved the merger of Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone) and Telenor Pakistan on March 19, 2026. This merger is set to create a combined customer base of approximately 72 million subscribers, positioning the new entity as the second-largest telecom operator in Pakistan.

Currently, Jazz leads the market with 74 million monthly mobile subscribers, followed by Zong with 54 million. Before the merger, Telenor had 43 million subscribers, while Ufone had 29 million. The merger will significantly enhance the competitive landscape of the telecom sector in Pakistan.

The acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) was completed in December 2025 after receiving multiple regulatory approvals. The transaction was valued at NOK5.3 billion, approximately US$547 million.

As part of the merger process, the integration of the two companies is expected to take up to four weeks for legal verification. The merged entity will operate around 26,000 towers, many of which are located in close proximity to each other. However, regulators have imposed conditions on the integration process, stipulating that towers shared with other operators cannot be shut down without prior approval.

The no-objection certificate issued by the PTA allows Ufone to commence the integration with Telenor Pakistan. This development is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining service continuity for customers during the merger.

With a total of 202 million mobile subscribers in Pakistan, the merger is likely to reshape market dynamics and customer offerings. The combined resources and infrastructure of Ufone and Telenor could lead to improved services and competitive pricing for consumers.

As the integration progresses, further developments are anticipated, particularly regarding the operational strategies of the merged entity. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific changes that may occur in service offerings or pricing structures.