The Senate IT Committee learned on Thursday, September 18, 2025, that PTCL and Telenor Pakistan’s merger will be completed in two weeks. Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the review took 18 months. Delays came from PTCL’s slow responses.
Senator Palwasha Khan, the chair, asked about PTCL and Ufone board members. PTCL shares this online. Ufone does not. She said they did not share it before. Senator Kamran Murtaza inquired about benefits such as $5,000 allowances and international travel.
Senator Afnan Ullah said Rs. 65 billion worth of stolen data is for sale on the dark web. This includes info on 300,000 Hajj applicants. He warned of outside pressure against data protection laws. He called for quick action.
PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman said SIM data has been on the dark web since 2022. His own data is there too. He noted poor service in Balochistan and many dropped calls. The PTA is ready for a 5G auction in December. Reports from consultants are done. But court cases may delay it. The committee asked the ministry to work with the Attorney General to resolve legal issues promptly.
Read: PTCL Telenor Merger Hearing: PTCL to Present $1 Billion Investment Plan Under CCP
Senators are upset that IT Minister Shaza Fatima missed meetings again. They questioned her focus on the sector. Senator Nadeem Bhutto reported that there are no mobile signals on the Karachi-Sukkur Motorway. The merger could change telecom in Pakistan. Data theft raises safety worries. 5G delays hurt tech growth. The committee pushes for better oversight.
The PTCL-Telenor merger is almost done. The Senate raises key issues like data theft and service gaps. Watch for 5G auction updates. Stay informed on Pakistan’s tech scene.
