Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has reported a return to profitability after more than four years, marking a significant turnaround in its financial performance. The recovery comes alongside the integration of Telenor Pakistan into its accounts and a major announcement regarding the launch of 5G services.
During a press briefing, PTCL Group President and CEO Hatem Bamatraf revealed that the company’s revenues increased by 58% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The group posted a net profit of Rs3.1 billion, a sharp improvement from a loss of Rs4 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
The inclusion of Telenor Pakistan’s financials has played a key role in this growth, contributing to a 564% rise in operating profit. PTCL’s core operations also showed steady improvement, with revenue growth of 6.5% and a net profit of Rs0.9 billion.
The company stated that the ongoing merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan is in its final stages, following approval from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This merger is expected to enhance service quality and expand telecom coverage across Pakistan.
In a major development, PTCL also announced that Ufone has received a commercial certificate for launching 5G services, with the official rollout planned for May 2026. The move signals Pakistan’s entry into next-generation mobile connectivity, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and improved digital experiences.
Despite the positive financial outlook, company officials noted that regional geopolitical tensions could impact future performance. Rising fuel prices and borrowing costs linked to global conflicts may affect business operations in the coming months.
Overall, PTCL’s return to profit and its 5G plans highlight a new phase of growth for Pakistan’s telecom sector, driven by strategic mergers and technological advancement.
