ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed state-owned telecom operator Pakistan Telecommunication Mobile Limited (PTML) to immediately stop issuing new ONIC SIMs and eSIMs, activating new connections, accepting new subscriptions and undertaking related marketing and commercial activities.

The PTA’s recent order comes more than three years after the initial notice was issued to Ufone’s management.

Ufone subsequently approached the courts and, after winning the legal battle, the telecom regulator issued the order on September 11, 2026.

PTML, the parent company of Ufone, has recently completed its merger with Telenor Pakistan. The company is a subsidiary of state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

The composition of Ufone’s board also reflects the state’s significant role in the company. Its chairman is the federal secretary for IT, while several other government officials, along with a PML-N MNA, serve on the board.

The PTA order said ONIC has separate branding, packages, a dedicated mobile app, billing and customer management systems, as well as direct customer operations. These features make its business model similar to that of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

Talking to Dawn, a senior PTA official said existing ONIC customers would have to be migrated to PTML within three months. “The other option is for PTML to obtain an MVNO licence from the PTA and continue to market ONIC as a separate entity,” the official added.

The PTA order states that the company must submit a compliance report within seven working days, confirming that the ordered activities have been stopped and explaining the steps taken to comply.

Meanwhile, the newly merged telecom company, Ufone/Telenor Pakistan, said in a statement that ONIC customers would continue to receive uninterrupted services.

“ONIC would like to reassure its customers that there is no disruption to its services and that they can continue to use them without interruption,” the statement said.

“We remain fully committed to serving our customers and maintaining the highest standards of connectivity, service and support. Our customers remain our top priority, and we appreciate their continued trust and confidence in ONIC,” it added.

Earlier in June, Telenor Pakistan was formally amalgamated into PTML — the legal name for Ufone — after final approval by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).