CCP Intensifies Phase II Review of PTCL’s Acquisition of Telenor Pakistan

Multan-(Mudasser Chuhdary): CCP continues in-depth review of PTCL’s acquisition amid industry concerns

ISLAMABAD, 24 Oct: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) remains committed to addressing concerns in the ongoing Phase II Merger Review of PTCL’s proposed acquisition of 100% shareholding in Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited and Orion Towers (Private) Limited. The review is being conducted by a distinguished Bench, led by Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, alongside Members Mr. Salman Amin and Mr. Abdul Rashid Sheikh.

In an in-depth analysis, the CCP has thus far held five extensive hearings, beginning on September 30, 2024, with subsequent hearings on October 2nd, 3rd, 22nd, and 24th, 2024. The Bench posed critical questions regarding the potential impacts of the merger, ensuring thorough scrutiny of the competitive dynamics in the telecom sector.

During the most recent hearing, Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan, Senior Counsel for PTCL, accompanied by Ms. Mariam Saleem Malik, Counsel for PTCL, presented responses to the concerns raised by Wateen, Jazz, and CM Pak (Zong) in earlier hearings. The CCP Bench facilitated discussions, offering all stakeholders, including PTCL, Wateen, Jazz, and Telenor, the opportunity to provide their respective comments.

PTCL emphasized the merger’s competitive benefits, particularly highlighting the expected reduction in the market share gap between the two leading players. PTCL also addressed potential risks of input and customer foreclosure, outlining the evaluation principles, while highlighting the merger’s efficiencies, including cost savings, increased network capacity, accelerated technological advancements, and the roll-out of 5G services. PTCL assured the Honourable Bench that the MergeCo would fully comply with the Spectrum Sharing Framework, once issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), thereby adhering to all regulatory requirements.

Jazz and Wateen, in turn, reiterated their concerns over critical industry matters, particularly tariff regulations, infrastructure sharing, national roaming, and the operations of Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs).

Throughout the proceedings, CCP officials, including Mr. Shahzad Hussain (Director General/Registrar), Barrister Ambreen Abbasi, Hafiz Naeem, Mr. Arshad Javed (Legal Department), Ms. Marryum Pervaiz (HoD Merger Department), Mr. Noman Ahmed (Merger Department), raised pertinent questions, ensuring a comprehensive review process.

The CCP is committed to ensure that any potential competitive risks arising from the merger are fully addressed, safeguarding market competition and consumer welfare.
[5:55 PM, 10/24/2024] Mudasser Chuhdary Sports Journalist: MULTAN, (Sohaib Iqbal ): In a remarkable display of judicial efficiency, Lahore High Court (LHC) Multan Bench has resolved 8045 cases in just 43 days, signaling a robust effort to reduce the backlog of pending cases.

This swift progress came after the courts resumed their regular proceedings following the summer recess.

According to court sources, during this period, the bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi was comprising of Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, Justice Shahid Karim, Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, Justice Muhammad Waheed Khan, Justice Asim Hafeez, Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq, Justice Anwaar Hussain, and Justice Muhammad Raza Qureshi. The collective efforts of these judges who marked tendency in Single and Division Benches ensured timely decision in various types of cases.

At Start of the Roaster total 46281 cases were pending at Multan Bench. During the Roaster commencing from 02.09.2024 total 6650 cases were instituted and total 8045 cases has been decided, meaning thereby the disposal is more than the institution. Out of total 8045 cases, 3725 Criminal cases, 3961 Writ petitions, and 359 Civil cases were decided during this 43-days period and it reflects the commitment of the Bench to provide speedy and inexpensive justice. At present the total pendency of cases at Multan Bench is 44035 cases.

The sources stated, the achievement is a direct reflection of the implementation of this vision of Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Aalia Neelum, who has prioritized the decision of cases at a faster pace to ensure that justice is not delayed. Her focus on maximizing the number of cases decided has been supported by the legal fraternity, which has extended full cooperation in the pursuit of this goal.

The combination of judicial dedication and collaboration with legal professionals is expected to further reduce the number of pending cases in the near future. This initiative aligns with the LHC’s broader mission to ensure timely and effective justice for all, fostering a positive outlook for the justice system in the region, said court sources.

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