Business Desk 
Oct 23, 2024
Pakistani police deployed in front of the building of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the largest landline telephone network in Islamabad. — AFP/File
As Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the biggest telecom operator in the country, is gearing up to acquire both Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, Zong argued before the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Tuesday that the merger would affect market competition.
On the contrary, PTCL representative Rahat Kaunain — who has also held the position of CCP chairperson in the past — responded that the market is free at the moment from concerns regarding the competition which is associated with the transaction of PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers.
PTCL buying Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers
The opposition took place as the CCP proceeded to the fourth hearing of its Phase II Merger Review of PTCL’s proposal of acquiring 100% shareholding in Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited and Orion Towers (Private) Limited.
The acquisition review was conducted by a three-member bench presided over by the chairman CCP Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu alongside Salman Amin and Abdul Rashid Sheikh.
The PTCL representative noted that the company is willing to present an insightful response if the CCP’s bench finds it crucial for the review process.
The review of PTCL's acquisition proposal is aimed at potential market power concentration, competitive dynamics, and broader impact on the telecommunications sector after PTCL's takeover.
During the previous hearing, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was represented by Amer Shahzad, DG (Wireless – Licensing), when the same CCP bench allowed PTCL, Wateen, Jazz and Telenor to present their views on the matter.
If CCP approves the proposal, Zong representatives expressed worries about PTCL’s market share jumping to 36.50%.
