The newly formed Board of Directors of Telenor Pakistan has appointed Awais Vohra as Acting Chief Executive Officer, following the completion of all regulatory approvals for PTCL’s acquisition. The decision was announced after Telenor Pakistan became an autonomous subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). According to officials, the Board also acknowledged the role of Fridtjof Rusten, who led the company during a critical transition period. The Board noted that his leadership helped manage a complex acquisition and regulatory process, while ensuring operational stability, customer confidence, and continued organisational focus. The appointment comes after PTCL formally acquired 100 percent of the issued share capital of Telenor Pakistan. However, regulators have directed that Telenor Pakistan will continue to operate as a separate legal entity. The company will function independently alongside Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), known as Ufone 4G, and U Microfinance Bank. Awais Vohra brings more than 25 years of experience in the telecom sector, with senior leadership roles in Pakistan and Scandinavia. He was a founding member of Telenor Pakistan’s launch team and has been closely associated with the company’s growth since its early days. Over the years, he has been credited with building a performance-focused culture and leading large-scale digital and operational transformations. Most recently, Vohra served as Chief Technology Officer, where he led network modernisation, artificial intelligence adoption, and strategic technology initiatives. Officials said these efforts were aimed at improving customer experience and strengthening business performance in a competitive market. PTCL had first announced the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers (Private) Limited in December 2023. After an extensive review process, the Competition Commission of Pakistan approved the deal on October 1, 2025. This was followed by approval from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on December 5, 2025, clearing the way for completion of the transaction. According to the company, Telenor Pakistan will continue to provide uninterrupted services nationwide. Officials said the organisation remains committed to a smooth transition, with no impact on customers during the change in ownership and leadership. The company added that all mobile and digital services will continue without disruption, as the new management works within the regulatory framework. Further updates on leadership and integration are expected in due course, according to PakistaniBano News

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approved the merger of Telenor Pakistan with the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL), but imposed strong checks to prevent market dominance and ensure fair competition in the telecom sector.   The decision, issued in Islamabad, places strict limits on how the merged entity can operate, especially due to PTCL’s already dominant position in key infrastructure and wholesale services. The PTA also aligned its decision with the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), confirming that PTCL and its mobile subsidiary Ufone will continue to be treated as separate legal entities.   The regulator said there will be no cross-subsidy between PTCL and Ufone, and both must maintain separate accounts to ensure transparency. Cross-subsidisation refers to the practice of using profits from one segment to unfairly support another that is loss-making or priced below cost.   The PTA’s order, signed by Chairman Hafeezur Rehman, Member Finance Muhammad Naveed and Member Compliance Dr Khawar Siddique Khokhar, grants approval for the merger of Telenor Pakistan, Telenor LDI (TLDI) and Orion Towers with PTCL. The combined mobile operator of Ufone and Telenor has been formally labeled as MergedCo.   Key Compliance Conditions for PTCL and MergedCo The regulator has barred the new operator from engaging in practices that could limit competition. These include: • No exclusive agreements that block other operators from accessing PTCL bandwidth or infrastructure. • No discriminatory pricing in interconnection, termination or wholesale services. • No preferential treatment for affiliates or subsidiaries. • No use of predatory pricing that could restrict rivals’ market access. • Mandatory maintenance of separate and detailed accounts for all business units. • Prohibition on cross-subsidisation between PTCL and MergedCo. • No change in brand names without prior written approval from PTA.   The PTA order states that all liabilities and obligations of Telenor, TLDI and Orion Towers will now be assumed by PTCL. It also restricts PTCL and MergedCo from adopting pricing or operational strategies that would disadvantage other telecom operators.   The regulator added that PTCL must not use revenues from its upstream services to subsidise downstream commercial offerings. The aim is to prevent unfair price cuts that could weaken the market for smaller operators.   Another major condition requires the merged company to participate in upcoming spectrum auctions to improve network capacity and expand national coverage. The PTA said this requirement is essential to ensure quality of service for millions of subscribers and to promote long-term sector growth.   The decision, widely followed by industry analysts and platforms such as PakistaniBano News, marks one of the most significant structural changes in the telecom sector in recent years, reshaping competition and investment patterns.

Telenor Pakistan has entered into a strategic Core Cloud Modernization agreement with Huawei, aimed at upgrading its core network and cloud platforms for the next phase of digital growth. The signing took place at Telenor Pakistan’s headquarters and was attended by senior leaders from both companies, underscoring the importance of the partnership for Pakistan’s telecom sector.   Under this arrangement, Telenor Pakistan will modernise its core network and cloud infrastructure using advanced technologies focused on higher performance, automation, and resilience. The refreshed platform is expected to support AI-driven network operations and customer services, improve service reliability, and strengthen operational efficiency. According to the company, this transformation will help prepare its systems for future digital and AI-enabled services across Pakistan.   Commenting on the project, TP Chief Technology Officer Awais Vohra said the modernisation journey is aimed at delivering better services to subscribers by adopting innovative solutions and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Huawei Pakistan CEO Sun Xiaofei described the initiative as a potential flagship project globally, adding that Huawei will back it with its top technical resources and solutions.   TP Chief Executive Officer Fridtjof Rusten stressed the need for swift and seamless execution so that customers can start experiencing the benefits of the upgraded network in the coming years. Industry watchers and platforms like PakistaniBano News view the move as another step in building a more agile and intelligent telecom network in the country.   The agreement reinforces Telenor Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the nation’s digital ambitions, with a focus on technology that adds value for individuals, businesses, and communities across Pakistan.

Pakistan International Airlines has temporarily stopped flights to Chitral due to a shortage of aircraft and a sharp drop in passenger load, the Senate was informed on Monday. Officials said the route had become operationally difficult to sustain under current conditions.   Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told lawmakers that PIA had previously operated ATR aircraft on the Chitral sector with an average 64 percent passenger load up to 2022. According to him, the load factor has now fallen to about 41 percent, while the airline currently has only two ATRs available, limiting its ability to continue certain regional services.   Dr. Chaudhry added that an earlier attempt to privatise PIA could not move forward but that the process has since been revived. Senators also flagged reduced flight operations on other routes, including Quetta, concerns which the minister said would be formally shared with the airline’s chief executive. The discussion underscored the wider operational and financial pressure facing the national carrier.   During the same sitting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar assured members that the issue of restoring the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation would be placed before the Prime Minister. The situation highlights the challenge of maintaining air connectivity to remote regions like Chitral as PIA manages a reduced fleet and constrained resources, according to updates reported by PakistaniBano News.

Air Link Communication Limited has announced the creation of a new subsidiary, ZEXO Technologies (Private) Limited, marking a major step toward strengthening its role in Pakistan’s technology and electronics sector. The development was confirmed through a notification submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.   According to the company, the board approved the formation of ZEXO Technologies on December 1, 2025. The new subsidiary has been set up with an investment of Rs. 200 million, divided into 20 million ordinary shares priced at Rs. 10 each.   ZEXO Technologies has been tasked with a wide operational mandate. It will manage the manufacturing, import, export, distribution, and retail of smartphones, laptops, electronics, home appliances, and other related accessories. The company will also oversee e-commerce operations, reflecting Air Link’s plan to strengthen its digital presence.   Officials said the move is designed to expand Air Link’s footprint in Pakistan’s fast-growing tech market. The new subsidiary is expected to broaden the company’s product portfolio and improve its ability to deliver consumer electronics across multiple platforms, including online retail.   Air Link stated that the launch of ZEXO Technologies is part of its long-term strategy to support innovation, local manufacturing, and technological growth within the country. The company has continued to invest in new ventures as Pakistan’s demand for electronics and digital devices increases every year.

Alibaba.com has announced a major partnership with UPS Pakistan, aiming to make global shipping faster and more affordable for Pakistani exporters. The collaboration is designed to help local SMEs connect with buyers in more than 200 countries, offering better delivery speed, clear pricing, and improved tracking options. The development comes as Alibaba.com continues to expand its presence in Pakistan. According to the platform, the number of new Pakistani suppliers grew by nearly 50% between April and September, while monthly online orders surged by almost 150% over the past six months. More than 90% of Pakistani sellers already use the platform’s Trade Assurance feature for secure payments and transactions. Despite this progress, exporters have long faced issues such as high freight charges, slow shipping, and limited visibility of shipments. The new partnership aims to solve these problems by combining Alibaba.com’s logistics tools with UPS’s global delivery network. Under this alliance, Pakistani exporters will gain access to faster door-to-door shipping. Deliveries to the United States may reach in 2–4 days, while shipments to Europe could arrive within 2–3 days. Sellers will also receive exclusive pricing slabs designed to reduce overall logistics costs. All shipments will be fully trackable through Alibaba.com’s TrackSmart system, which is directly integrated with UPS tracking. Summer Gao, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Alibaba.com, said the aim is to reduce friction in international trade for Pakistani SMEs. He noted that reliable shipping solutions are essential for helping local businesses meet global demand. Local exporters have already seen results. Producing Peak — a leading Pakistani seller of apparel and sports goods — reported significant growth after using Trade Assurance. Its CEO, Imran Iqbal Bajwa, said predictable logistics help build trust with overseas buyers and open more markets. Berry Ma, Head of Pakistan Business at Alibaba.com, added that the collaboration will help local SMEs overcome shipping obstacles and translate Pakistan’s manufacturing potential into strong export growth.

Airblue has started a new international route between Islamabad and Dammam, strengthening air links between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The service will operate twice a week, with flights scheduled every Thursday and Saturday. The airline says the new route will offer more convenience for business travellers and Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom. The launch ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport, where senior Airblue officials and airport representatives were present. The event marked an important step in the airline’s ongoing plan to expand its international operations and improve travel options for passengers. According to the airline’s Director Commercial, Muhammad Shafique, the decision is based on increasing travel demand. He said the new Islamabad–Dammam flight reflects Airblue’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable travel. He added that Dammam is an important route for workers and business communities, and the airline aims to support passengers with a comfortable and dependable service. With this new addition, Airblue continues to widen its global network. The airline says passengers will benefit from modern aircraft, better in-flight comfort and customer-focused services on all routes.

Petroleum plays a central role in Pakistan’s energy use. It comes from the slow breakdown of organic matter deep underground, forming crude oil that later goes through refining. These refined products fuel transport, industry, and homes. Each petroleum type has its own use and its own price, which affects consumers across the country.   .table-box3{ width:100%; max-width:900px; margin:20px auto; border-radius:18px; background:#0b0c10; border:1px solid #1a1d22; overflow:hidden; box-shadow:0 0 35px rgba(0,255,255,0.12); font-family:system-ui; } .table-title3{ text-align:left; padding:18px 20px; font-size:22px; font-weight:700; color:#00eaff; text-shadow:0 0 8px #00eaff; } .data-table3{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; } .data-table3 th{ padding:15px 20px; background:#101116; color:#66eaff; font-size:15px; border-bottom:1px solid #1e2128; text-align:left; } .data-table3 td{ padding:15px 20px; background:#0d0e13; color:#e6e6e6; border-top:1px solid #1e2128; transition:0.25s; font-size:15px; } .data-table3 tr:hover td{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.07); } /* Arrows */ .up3{ color:#14ff4b; font-weight:700; text-shadow:0 0 6px #14ff4b; } .down3{ color:#ff3030; font-weight:700; text-shadow:0 0 6px #ff3030; } .power3{ text-align:center; padding:16px; font-size:14px; color:#00caff; background:#101116; font-weight:600; text-shadow:0 0 6px #00eaff; } Fuel Price Update Fuel Type Old Price New Price Difference Petrol (Super) PKR 265.45 PKR 263.45 ▼ 2 High Speed Diesel PKR 284.44 PKR 279.65 ▼ 4.79 Light Speed Diesel PKR 159.76 PKR 159.76 ▼ 0 Kerosene Oil PKR 176.81 PKR 176.81 ▼ 0 Powered by PakistaniBano   The following sections break down the main types of petroleum in Pakistan and the latest available prices.   Petrol (Super) Price in Pakistan   Petrol, also known as super, carries a higher octane rating and supports better engine performance. It is widely used in motorbikes and cars. The current petrol price in Pakistan is PKR 265.45 based on the latest official revision.   High Speed Diesel Price in Pakistan   High-speed diesel is the fuel that keeps commercial vehicles running. It helps them reach up to 7,500 RPMs and is preferred for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and larger cars. The price of high-speed diesel in Pakistan stands at PKR 284.44.   Light Speed Diesel Price in Pakistan   Light-speed diesel is meant for medium-sized vehicles that need more power than small personal vehicles. The price of light-speed diesel in Pakistan is Rs.155.81.   Kerosene Oil Price in Pakistan   Kerosene oil continues to serve small-scale machinery, local equipment, and specific industrial needs. The kerosene oil price in Pakistan is PKR 171.65.   LPG Price in Pakistan   Pakistan imports LNG, and LPG is produced from this supply. It plays a dual role: It fuels certain vehicles and also supports households facing low natural gas supply. The LPG price in Pakistan is Rs. 254.86 per kg, effective December 1, 2023.   Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)   CNG is known as a cleaner fuel option. It is mainly methane that has been compressed to high pressure—around 3,000 to 3,600 psi—for easier storage and transport. CNG is also cheaper than diesel, which makes it popular among daily commuters.   High Octane Petrol Price in Pakistan   High octane petrol commands a premium price because of its superior quality and performance support. Pakistan is among the countries where high octane costs remain high, and the price varies from pump to pump.   OGRA does not regulate high octane prices, which is why rates change between stations.   Highest Petrol Rate in Pakistan   Pakistan’s highest-ever petrol price was Rs. 331.38 per liter on September 16, 2023. Prices often rise above Rs. 230 per liter when global demand for petroleum increases.   Euro Fuel Emission Standards in Pakistan   Pakistan adopted Euro V emission standards to improve vehicle performance and support cleaner air. Earlier, the country switched to Euro II in 2012, long after the standard had become outdated globally.   In 2020, Pakistan moved directly from Euro II to Euro V, skipping Euro III and Euro IV. Many countries currently follow Euro VI and are preparing for Euro VII around 2025.   Fuel and Petrol Prices – 2018 and Beyond   Fuel prices in Pakistan are closely linked to the value of the Rupee against international currencies. As the Rupee weakened after 2018, petrol prices increased in the local market.   In 2021, the government attempted to control fuel prices by cutting taxes. It helped for a short period, but long-term stability remained a challenge because Pakistan depends heavily on imported oil.   OGRA revises petroleum prices twice a month—on the 15th and the last day. These revisions stay in effect for the next 15 days.   Historical Background of Petrol Rate   In the early 1990s, vehicles ran mainly on petrol before CNG became widespread. Prices began rising steadily, reaching a peak during the Zardari era. Later, rates were lower during the end of the Nawaz Sharif government.   Political instability also played a role in price trends. Today, petrol prices depend on the country’s economy, global market trends, and government decisions. OGRA remains responsible for revising and regulating prices.   Reasons Behind Petrol Price Increase Petrol prices rise or fall due to several factors, both global and local. The demand for petrol in Pakistan comes from transportation, power needs, industry, and economic activity. Some major reasons behind increasing petrol prices include the following.   International Crude Oil Prices   The biggest factor is the global crude oil price, which changes with world economic trends, supply limits, and geopolitical issues.   Exchange Rates   Since oil trade is done in US dollars, a weaker local currency leads directly to higher petrol prices.   Taxes   Governments charge taxes on petrol for revenue. The tax percentage differs in every country.   Refining Cost   Refining crude oil into usable fuel adds to the total cost.   Distribution Cost   Transporting fuel from refineries to retailers also affects prices. Longer distances increase the final rate.   Can Petrol Prices Be Controlled?   Complete control is difficult because Pakistan imports most of its petroleum. The government can offer subsidies, adjust taxes, and improve stock reserves to stabilize prices.   OPEC’s management of global oil supply also affects price levels. However, total control over petrol prices is not possible.   How Do Petrol Prices Affect the Economy?   Petrol prices have a deep impact on consumers and businesses. They influence inflation, production costs, spending habits, and the country’s trade balance.   Impact of Inflation   Higher petrol prices push up transport costs, which raises prices of essential goods and reduces buying power.   Affect on Consumer Spending   When fuel becomes expensive, people cut back on non-essential travel and reduce their overall spending.   Business Costs   Industries depend on fuel for transport and operations. When fuel costs rise, product prices also increase.   Energy Efficient Cars or Vehicles   Higher fuel prices encourage people to shift to hybrid, electric, or more efficient public transport.   Impact on Trade Balance   Increasing fuel prices raise the national import bill and can affect the exchange rate. This also increases the burden on foreign reserves.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has taken a major step in the telecom sector by approving the full acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers. The decision was confirmed during the company’s 9th Extraordinary General Meeting held on November 20, 2025.   According to the update shared after the meeting, shareholders voted in favour of PTCL buying 100% shares of both companies from Telenor Pakistan BV. The deal follows a share purchase agreement first signed in December 2023.   PTCL shareholders also approved a plan to arrange up to $400 million in financing. The funding may come from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Silk Road Fund (SRF), British International Investment (BII) and other global lenders. This financing will be processed under a Common Terms Agreement finalised on June 27, 2024.   The meeting further endorsed all earlier board decisions linked to the acquisition and financing. It also allowed the PTCL Board of Directors to complete all formalities, including regulatory approvals, legal steps and the appointment of advisors required to close the transaction s.  

Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector recorded a 2.69% year-on-year increase in September, signalling a tentative recovery in industrial output after months of sluggish activity. The latest data, released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Wednesday, shows improvement compared to August, when production had slowed due to nationwide flooding. On a month-to-month basis, LSM grew by 2.05%, suggesting that the immediate impact of floods on factories and supply chains has started to ease. Officials noted that major industries have gradually resumed operations, helping stabilise output across sectors. During the first quarter of FY26 (July–September), the LSM sector posted a 4.08% year-on-year rise, driven largely by strong performance in the automobile and cement industries. The positive trend follows a strong start to the fiscal year, with 8.99% growth in July, before output dipped sharply to 0.54% in August due to flood disruptions. In contrast, FY25 saw overall LSM growth fall 0.74%, missing the government’s 3.5% target. The sector, which contributes nearly 8% to Pakistan’s GDP, had already contracted 0.03% in FY24, reflecting broader economic pressures. Key Sector-Wise Performance The food sector expanded by 6.94% in Q1 FY26, supported by improved wheat and rice milling, which rose 9.30%, while starch production edged up 0.64%. Cooking oil output increased 8.54%, though vegetable ghee dipped marginally by 0.06%, and blended tea fell 5.35%. The textile industry, which makes up the bulk of Pakistan’s exports, posted a modest 1.88% rise. Cotton yarn grew 2.62%, and cotton cloth increased 0.28%. However, September recorded a 2.18% decline in garment production, marking the second consecutive month of contraction for the value-added segment. The coke and petroleum sector shrank 3.35% in Q1. Output of petrol, jet fuel and furnace oil fell by 3.52%, 5.23% and 21.62% respectively. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel production jumped 10.83%, kerosene rose 11.17%, LPG 8.20%, and lubricating oil a significant 46.50%. The automobile sector emerged as the strongest performer, surging 84.58% in Q1 FY26. Production of cars and jeeps increased 86.19%, while trucks rose 139%, buses 21.43%, and LCVs 6.36%. Diesel engine production also improved 3.23%. The pharmaceutical sector contracted 4.81%, and fertiliser output registered a slight 0.97% rise. Iron and steel production fell 3.52%, with billets and ingots declining 10.20%, and H/CR sheets and coils dipping 0.75%. Among non-metallic industries, rubber products increased 14.10%, non-metallic minerals rose 13.86%, and electrical equipment grew 4%, offering pockets of resilience amid mixed overall industrial performance.