PTCL CEO Warns of Potential Impact from CCP Decision Delay

ISLAMABAD: Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), has cautioned that continued delays in the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) decision regarding the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and Orion Towers could jeopardize the agreement between the involved entities, particularly as the deadline approaches.

His remarks were made during the announcement of the PTCL group’s financial results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, ending March 31, 2025, which demonstrated a substantial double-digit revenue surge of 22 percent.

The Group CEO stated, “We have provided all necessary documentation and information to the CCP. However, the protracted delay in the decision concerning the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and Orion Towers is unprecedented.” He further urged the commission to expedite its decision to resolve uncertainty and facilitate progress.

The initial agreement stipulated that the acquisition transactions were to be finalized by December 2024. Due to the aforementioned delays, a revised deadline was established for the end of June 2025. The Group CEO emphasized that further delays by the CCP could potentially undermine the agreement. Group CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nadeem Khan updated the media, asserting that the group’s strong performance reinforces its position as the leading integrated telecom service provider in Pakistan.

PTCL group experienced a revenue increase of 22 percent year-on-year (YoY), reaching Rs61.8 billion. This growth was largely driven by strong performance in consumer segments, particularly fixed broadband and mobile data, in addition to considerable contributions from enterprise and carrier wholesale services.

Officials also noted PTCL’s sustained growth trajectory, with a 14 percent YoY revenue increase to Rs29.6 billion. This was mainly attributed to a 70 percent revenue growth in Flash Fiber and a 23 percent revenue growth in Business Solutions compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

PTCL’s Enterprise Business witnessed a 23 percent expansion compared to the same period last year, while the Carrier and Wholesale business sustained its growth, achieving a 24 percent overall revenue increase. The international segment’s revenue also rose by eight percent compared to the prior year.

PTCL reported an operating profit of Rs4.1 billion, marking a 40 percent rise from the same quarter in 2024, with net profits reaching Rs1.2 billion in Q1 2025. PTML (Ufone 4G) experienced a 21 percent revenue increase relative to Q1 2024. PTML also reported an 11 percent rise in operating profit during the quarter compared to the last quarter of 2024, resulting from improved customer experience and heightened digital engagement via data-centric products and strategic partnerships.

U Microfinance Bank (UBank) reported a substantial 77 percent YoY revenue increase.

Company representatives added that the PTCL Group is spearheading the realization of a “Digital Pakistan.” PTCL and Ufone 4G are supplying essential infrastructures and connectivity to initiate this transformation. The PTCL Group is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge services and solutions through an extensive suite of offerings. PTCL’s assertive FTTH expansion has propelled its notable topline growth. Building on the prior year’s success, PTCL prioritized the delivery of the fastest and most dependable internet services via its flagship “Flash Fiber,” which has remained the premier FTTH service in Pakistan. In Q1 2025, Flash Fiber surpassed 700,000 customers nationwide, resulting in a 70 percent YoY revenue growth.

During Q1 2025, PTCL maintained its leadership in digital transformation by launching Pakistan’s first WhatsApp-based bill payment solution, offering customers unmatched convenience, security, and accessibility when paying their monthly PTCL bills. This initiative represents a key step toward realizing “Digital Pakistan.”

The business services segment has reinforced its market dominance and maintained its leading position in IP Bandwidth, Cloud, Data Center, and various ICT service areas.

Ufone’s robust 4G expansion highlights its strong dedication to customer satisfaction and digital innovation. Ufone 4G has continued to enrich customer experiences through innovative products and offerings in Q1’25, including:

  • Ufone 4G’s “Super 5” package, a comprehensive connectivity solution designed for groups of up to five individuals, enabling seamless resource sharing for uninterrupted communication and internet access for families, friends, or small teams. PTML’s digital brand is transforming the traditional telecom experience, demonstrated by a 183 percent growth in subscribers.

Throughout Q1 2025, the PTCL Group sustained its commitment to community engagement through various initiatives aimed at improving lives and transforming society via its social impact platform “Dil Se,” designed to foster digital inclusion, compassion, and innovation.

This quarter, under the flagship Social Impact initiative, Dil Se “Ba-Ikhtiar,” the talented entrepreneurs participating in the program designed Peshawar Zalmi’s kit. More than a jersey, it symbolizes strength, resilience, and empowerment. Future plans include expanding to over 20 districts and facilitating startup registrations with seed funding to scale their respective businesses.

The PTCL Group collaborated with Pink Collar to support Pakistan’s inaugural Women Career Summit in Lahore.

The summit attracted 30 leading corporations conducting recruitment drives. The summit also furnished Ba-Ikhtiar beneficiaries with a valuable platform to connect with industry leaders and inspire fellow entrepreneurs.