The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has held its first hearing for
the Phase II Merger Review regarding PTCL's acquisition of 100% shareholding in Telenor Pakistan
(Private) Limited (TP) and Orion Towers Private Limited (OT). The hearing was presided over by CCP
Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, along with members Mr. Salman Amin and Mr. Abdul Rashid
Sheikh. Senior Counsel Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan represented PTCL, emphasizing the potential economic
benefits and growth opportunities the transaction could bring to Pakistan. Mr. Hatem Bamatraf,
President & Group CEO of PTCL, Mr. Robert Middlehurst, and PTCL'ssenior management also shared
key insights of the transaction. The Commission listened to the submissionsfrom all involved parties. Other key attendees included Mr. Khurram Ashfaque, CEO of Telenor Pakistan, Mr. Andreas
Hogberg, CEO of Orion Towers, Mr. Fawad Ahmad Khan, Group Director of Regulatory Strategy &
Compliance (PTML), Mr. Amer Shahzad, DG Wireless Licensing (PTA), and representatives from Jazz,
Wateen, Transworld Associates, CM Pak LDI Ltd, and the Frequency Allocation Board The CCP’s Phase II Merger Review, conducting under Section 11(6) of the Competition Act 2010, is
focused on examining the market share dynamics and potential risks of market concentration. As
the review continues, the CCP encourages stakeholders to provide input and aims to conclude the
Phase II review within the statutory 90-day period once all necessary information has been
gathered. Next hearing is scheduled for October 2, 2024, where stakeholders will present their submissions
on the proposed merger. PTCL and Telenor submitted their pre-merger application on 6th March 2024, leading to a Phase I
review by the CCP. On 3rd May 2024, the CCP initiated the Phase II review following its Phase I
findings.
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