The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an order directing Pakistan Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), the parent company of Ufone, to suspend the issuance of new ONIC SIMs and eSIMs, as well as new subscriptions.
The regulatory action comes more than three years after the initial notice was issued to Ufone’s management. PTML had challenged the matter in court and pursued legal proceedings before the regulator issued its latest order on September 11, 2026.
PTML recently completed its merger with Telenor Pakistan. The company operates as a subsidiary of state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).
The composition of Ufone’s board also highlights the government’s significant involvement in the company. The federal secretary for IT serves as chairman, while several government officials and a PML-N member of the National Assembly are also on the board.
According to the PTA order, ONIC operates under separate branding and offers its own packages, dedicated mobile application, billing and customer management systems, and direct customer services. The regulator said these arrangements make ONIC’s operating model similar to that of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).
A senior PTA official said existing ONIC customers would be required to migrate to PTML within three months. Alternatively, PTML could obtain an MVNO licence from the regulator and continue operating ONIC as a separate entity.
Under the PTA directive, PTML must submit a compliance report within seven working days, confirming that the ordered activities have been discontinued and detailing the measures taken to comply with the order.
Meanwhile, Ufone/Telenor Pakistan said ONIC customers would continue to receive uninterrupted services despite the regulatory order.
The company reassured customers that there would be no disruption to ONIC services and that subscribers could continue using their services as usual.
It said it remained committed to providing reliable connectivity, customer support and uninterrupted services, adding that customers remained its top priority.
Earlier in June, Telenor Pakistan was formally amalgamated into PTML, the legal entity operating Ufone, following final approval from the Islamabad High Court.
