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 government has decided to move forward with Pakistan’s long-delayed 5G spectrum auction, even though parts of the required spectrum are still under legal dispute. The decision was taken recently, according to telecom sector sources, as authorities aim to avoid further delays in launching next-generation mobile services. Officials confirmed that the auction will proceed despite the condition of “clean spectrum” not being fully met. The move signals a policy shift, as earlier plans linked the auction strictly to the clearance of all disputed frequencies. According to official sources, the government has approved the auction of the full 2600MHz spectrum band, which is considered critical for high-speed 5G services. This band offers strong capacity and coverage, making it suitable for advanced mobile broadband. Sources within the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that a total of 194MHz of spectrum in the 2600MHz band will be offered. Out of this, 140MHz is currently under litigation. However, officials stressed that there is no court order stopping the auction at this stage. No active usage on disputed spectrum PTA officials confirmed that no telecom equipment is currently operating on the disputed 140MHz portion of the spectrum. Based on this position, authorities believe the auction can legally move ahead. Officials added that once a formal policy directive is issued, the responsibility for spectrum allocation will rest with the government. This is expected to remove administrative uncertainty ahead of the auction process. Telecom operators expected to participate Industry sources said telecom operators are expected to actively participate in the auction of the 2600MHz band. The spectrum is seen as vital for future network expansion and service upgrades. Officials view the auction as an important step toward improving broadband speeds, supporting digital services, and strengthening Pakistan’s overall telecom infrastructure. The move reflects the government’s intent to push ahead with 5G Pakistan despite legal and technical challenges. The development could mark a key moment in Pakistan’s digital roadmap, as policymakers look to accelerate connectivity growth. The update was shared with Pakistani Bano and PakistaniBano News through sector sources.
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.
The government has intensified its crackdown on illegal call centres and digital fraud networks operating nationwide, revealing that nearly 500 suspects have been arrested over the past five years. The details were shared in Islamabad during a written briefing to Parliament. According to Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), working under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, has launched extensive operations against unlawful call centres, scam software houses, and digital telecom fraud across the country. Officials said the surge in fraudulent activities required immediate and coordinated enforcement. To strengthen oversight, the government has formed a high-level Task Force with representatives from the SECP, PTA, and PSEB. The body has been assigned to develop a real-time information mechanism to detect and shut down illegal digital operations. Its mandate includes improving regulatory compliance and tightening enforcement against digital and telecom-related crime. Official figures show the scale of the crackdown between 2021 and 2025. Authorities identified 72 illegal call centres and software houses. A total of 242 Pakistani nationals and 295 foreign nationals were found involved in different fraud schemes. Out of these, 206 Pakistanis and 288 foreigners were arrested. NCCIA registered 60 FIRs during this period. Investigators say many foreign nationals are linked to grey-market call centres involved in phishing, investment scams, impersonation fraud, and telecom rerouting schemes. The Interior Minister added that recent amendments to PECA in 2025 now allow NCCIA to pursue cross-border fraud groups more effectively. Officials briefed parliamentary committees that enhanced monitoring tools are helping them trace digital infrastructure used for scam calls, payment laundering, VoIP masking, and coordinated online fraud. Security agencies believe illegal call centres have evolved into organised criminal networks operating under foreign handlers, making regulatory vigilance essential.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stepped up its enforcement drive against illegal IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned mobile phones in Gilgit. The action was taken through a joint operation by the PTA Zonal Office Gilgit and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). According to officials, a targeted raid was carried out at a mobile repair shop located in front of the Bus Stand Jutial. During the operation, laptops and USB devices used for tampering mobile identifiers were seized. One individual was arrested at the spot and was handed over to NCCIA for legal proceedings. PTA maintains a strict policy against IMEI modification and the sale of cloned or patched mobile devices. Authorities say these unlawful practices can compromise national security by allowing criminals to hide their identity. Such devices are often linked to cybercrime, financial fraud, and other serious offences. The regulator has repeated its warning that anyone involved in IMEI tampering will face strong legal action. PTA also urged citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious repair shops or individuals offering illegal device services. Officials said the authority will continue its efforts to protect the mobile communication system and ensure consumer safety.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has called for a reduction in the heavy taxes placed on mobile phones brought from abroad. The authority said the public has been demanding tax relief for a long time, and the request is justified as the current tax structure affects both consumers and officials working in the telecom sector. During an AI Conference, PTA’s Director General Licensing, Brigadier (Retd) Amir Shahzad, explained that many people wrongly believe PTA collects taxes on imported phones. He clarified that only the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has the authority to impose and collect these duties. He said the PTA has repeatedly informed the public that it has no role in charging mobile phone taxes. The DG Licensing added that PTA officers are also affected by the same taxes. He said officials do not receive free phones or exemptions, and they buy devices like ordinary citizens, paying all duties and taxes without any privilege. Earlier, MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gilani raised concerns over the high tax rate on mobile phones. In a letter to the Standing Committee on Finance, he urged the government to review the current taxation system, saying it has become a major barrier for citizens trying to access digital technology. According to him, phones priced above USD 500 face a 25% sales tax and 18% general sales tax, making them unaffordable for many people. He said the taxes restrict digital growth and limit access to modern devices. The call for lower taxes has also been widely supported by the public, including overseas Pakistanis, who say that high duties make it difficult to register and use phones brought from abroad.. More stories in our Technology News section.
Laughter Chefs Season 3 has once again turned weekend television into a lively mix of comedy and chaos. The show’s unique blend of cooking challenges and unpredictable celebrity humour has created a strong fan wave, and interest in the upcoming Episode 4 is growing quickly. Viewers are eager to know when and where they can watch the new episode as the series continues to pull attention with its lighthearted kitchen battles. The show arrived this season with high expectations. Fans were curious about what the makers would bring after the success of the previous instalment. The early response confirmed the buzz, as social media filled with clips, reactions, and memes from the first few episodes. The mix of burnt dishes, loud laughter, and surprising kitchen mistakes set the tone for another entertaining run. Episode 4 is now the main focus for viewers. The weekend format has built a steady routine, and many are waiting to see what new challenges and unexpected moments will unfold. The early hype suggests more fast-paced comedy and cooking disasters that have become a trademark of the show. Laughter Chefs Season 3 features a star-studded lineup this time. Tejasswi Prakash, Vivian Dsena, Eisha Singh, and Isha Malviya have entered the kitchen, ready to try a completely different side of performance. Real-life couple Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee have also joined, bringing strong chemistry and fun energy to the show. Fan favourites from previous seasons have returned as well. Aly Goni, Karan Kundrra, Krushna Abhishek with Kashmira Shah, Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jural, and Jannat Zubair are all back to recreate their earlier charm and compete in the new season’s unpredictable kitchen challenges. Keeping the show’s spirit alive are host Bharti Singh and Chef Harpal Singh. Their humour, guidance, and reactions hold the format together, balancing the fun with expert judgment. Their presence remains one of the strongest elements that keep the audience hooked. The next episode is set to air tonight, November 30. The third episode will be broadcast on television, continuing the Saturday and Sunday release pattern that has worked well for fans who look for weekend entertainment. The makers have kept the rhythm steady, ensuring regular episodes for viewers who follow the show closely. For those who prefer streaming platforms, each episode of Laughter Chefs Season 3 is available on JioHotstar. Viewers can enjoy the show anytime and even rewatch earlier episodes to keep up with the ongoing kitchen madness. The platform makes it easy for users to stay updated even if they miss the television broadcast. Watching Episode 4 online is simple. First, download the JioHotstar app from the Play Store or App Store. Those who do not want to install the app can open the official website instead. After launching the platform, type the show’s name into the search bar to access the episode list. Some episodes may require a subscription. If the episode is locked behind a premium plan, users can select a package that suits their budget. Once logged in with a registered mobile number or email, viewers will get full access to the show’s library. Choosing Episode 4 will start the stream instantly, giving fans a fresh dose of jokes, confusion, and culinary surprises. The show continues to deliver a break from routine, offering a light and entertaining viewing option for the weekend. The excitement around Laughter Chefs Season 3 shows how the mix of celebrity presence, kitchen challenges, and spontaneous comedy keeps audiences engaged. With every new episode, the show manages to bring unexpected moments that viewers enjoy sharing online. The anticipation around the next set of challenges and funny mistakes remains strong, as fans look forward to another weekend filled with chaotic fun and memorable scenes from the kitchen studio.
The Pakistan Super League has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on 6 January 2026. The move follows the completion of market valuations for existing teams and commercial assets, allowing the league to proceed with its long-awaited growth plans. According to the PSL, only bidders who meet the technical requirements will be allowed to participate in the January auction. Officials say the aim is to ensure that only committed and financially capable groups enter the competition, keeping the league’s standards intact. The inclusion of two new teams is expected to reshape the tournament’s structure. It will expand PSL’s presence across Pakistan, create new rivalries, and open the door for more young cricketers to showcase their talent. This development comes at a time when the league is looking to strengthen its national footprint and improve commercial opportunities. As part of the pre-auction process, the PCB has shortlisted six cities from which bidders can select their franchise identity: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Successful bidders will be free to choose any of these as their official team name once the auction is complete. PSL and PCB officials said they are excited to welcome new stakeholders into the league’s ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects Pakistan cricket’s broader ambitions both on and off the field. With the auction date now confirmed, the arrival of two new teams is set to add depth, opportunities, and fresh energy to the country’s biggest cricket event.
The federal government has confirmed two public holidays across Pakistan in December 2025, giving citizens a welcome break before the new year. The holidays will be observed nationwide and apply to all public and private institutions. According to the official notification, December 25 will be a full public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day also coincides with Christmas celebrations, allowing both events to be observed together throughout the country. In addition, December 26 has been declared a public holiday for the Christian community to continue their Christmas festivities. On this day, government offices, educational institutions, and most private organizations will remain closed, giving citizens an extended two-day weekend. The announcement has been widely welcomed by students, employees, and families who see it as a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Many citizens also view it as an opportunity to participate in community events and year-end gatherings before the start of 2026. Officials confirmed that both holidays are part of the national holiday calendar for 2025, ensuring that citizens across all provinces will enjoy the same observance days.
The Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is gradually taking shape as the mega event draws closer. Over the last two years, Pakistan’s T20I performance has slipped in key areas such as powerplay control, strike-rate and death-overs impact, and the numbers reflect that decline. According to the latest figures, Pakistan currently sit in 7th position on the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with a rating of 235. Since the last T20 World Cup, they have played 34 T20 Internationals, winning 21 matches. With the next tournament just months away, attention has turned firmly towards the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad and how it will line up on the opening day. Pakistan are scheduled to start their campaign on 7 February, when they face the Netherlands. Team management will be keen to begin the World Cup on a strong note and reverse recent trends with a more settled and confident unit. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Takes Shape Under Salman Ali Agha Against this background, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that the core of the side for the World Cup is already clear. He has conveyed to officials that no major changes are expected and that the current balance of the team is likely to be carried into the tournament, providing continuity and stability. This approach means the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is expected to feature a settled top order, a middle phase strengthened by all-round options, and a bowling unit built around high-quality spin and established pace. According to the present thinking inside the camp, the combination looks structured and aligned with the captain’s longer-term vision for the format. Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026 (Probable) Player Name Primary Role Abdul Samad Top-order batter Babar Azam Batter Hasan Nawaz Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan Middle-order batter Saim Ayub Top-order batter Usman Khan (†) Wicketkeeper-batter Salman Ali Agha (c) All-rounder (off-spinner) Faheem Ashraf Bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz All-rounder (left-arm orthodox spinner) Abrar Ahmed Leg-spinner / mystery spinner Mohammad Wasim Jnr Fast-medium bowler Naseem Shah Fast bowler Salman Mirza Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Left-arm fast bowler Usman Tariq Off-spin bowler The probable Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad appears balanced across departments. At the top, names such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz offer a mix of stability and stroke-play for the powerplay overs. The middle overs are expected to be controlled by captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz, with Faheem Ashraf adding further depth as a bowling all-rounder. The bowling group stands out as one of Pakistan’s major strengths, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr leading the pace attack alongside left-arm quick Salman Mirza. In spin, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq provide variety and control in the middle overs. Taken together, the structure suggests a clear, strategy-driven approach as Pakistan prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a topic closely followed by readers of Pakistani Bano and regular visitors of PakistaniBano News.
The Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 kicked off at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium with high-scoring matches and tight finishes, setting the tone for another fast-paced season. Early victories for Quetta Qavalry and Deccan Gladiators have already shaped the points table. At the same time, teams prepare for a packed schedule featuring daily double-headers and triple-headers leading up to the playoffs on 29 and 30 November. 🏏 Abu Dhabi T10 League – Live Score Loading T10 live score... async function loadT10Score() { try { const res = await fetch("https://api.cricapi.com/v1/currentMatches?apikey=f966053a-56c8-4f4f-8507-1b4ddc345e68"); const data = await res.json(); if (!data.data || data.data.length === 0) { document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = "No live T10 matches right now."; return; } // Filter only T10 League Matches const t10Matches = data.data.filter(m => m.matchType === "t10" || m.matchType === "T10"); if (t10Matches.length === 0) { document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = "No live T10 matches at the moment."; return; } // Show first live T10 match const m = t10Matches[0]; const score1 = m.score[0] ? `${m.score[0].inning}: ${m.score[0].r}/${m.score[0].w} (${m.score[0].o})` : ""; const score2 = m.score[1] ? `${m.score[1].inning}: ${m.score[1].r}/${m.score[1].w} (${m.score[1].o})` : ""; const html = ` ${m.teams[0]} vs ${m.teams[1]} ${score1} ${score2} ${m.status} `; document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = html; } catch (e) { document.getElementById("t10ScoreContent").innerHTML = "Error loading T10 league score."; } } // Auto-refresh every 30 seconds loadT10Score(); setInterval(loadT10Score, 30000); 📅 Tuesday, 18 November 2025 — Completed Matches 1st Match Quetta Qavalry — 133/5 (10 overs) Northern Warriors — 82/2 (10 overs) Result: Quetta Qavalry won by 51 runs 2nd Match Deccan Gladiators — 141/2 (10 overs) UAE Bulls — 135/5 (10 overs) Result: Deccan Gladiators won by 6 runs 📅 Wednesday, 19 November 2025 3rd Match Northern Warriors — 47/1 (4 overs)** Aspin Stallions — Stallions elected to bowl first 4th Match Royal Champs vs Vista Riders ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 5th Match Ajman Titans vs Quetta Qavalry ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Thursday, 20 November 2025 6th Match Royal Champs vs Deccan Gladiators ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 7th Match UAE Bulls vs Vista Riders ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 8th Match Aspin Stallions vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Friday, 21 November 2025 9th Match Deccan Gladiators vs Quetta Qavalry ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 10th Match Northern Warriors vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 11th Match UAE Bulls vs Royal Champs ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Saturday, 22 November 2025 12th Match Aspin Stallions vs Vista Riders ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 13th Match Northern Warriors vs Deccan Gladiators ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 14th Match Quetta Qavalry vs UAE Bulls ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Sunday, 23 November 2025 15th Match Ajman Titans vs Royal Champs ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 16th Match Quetta Qavalry vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 17th Match Northern Warriors vs Vista Riders ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Tuesday, 25 November 2025 18th Match Vista Riders vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 19th Match Deccan Gladiators vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Wednesday, 26 November 2025 20th Match UAE Bulls vs Northern Warriors ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 21st Match Deccan Gladiators vs Ajman Titans ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 22nd Match Royal Champs vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Thursday, 27 November 2025 23rd Match Vista Riders vs Quetta Qavalry ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 24th Match UAE Bulls vs Aspin Stallions ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 25th Match Northern Warriors vs Royal Champs ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Friday, 28 November 2025 26th Match Ajman Titans vs UAE Bulls ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local 27th Match Quetta Qavalry vs Royal Champs ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local 28th Match Vista Riders vs Deccan Gladiators ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Saturday, 29 November 2025 — Playoffs Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd) ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local Eliminator 1 (3rd vs 4th) ⏰ 7:00 PM / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local 📅 Sunday, 30 November 2025 — Final Day Qualifier 2 (Loser Q1 vs Winner Eliminator) ⏰ 2:30 PM / 11:30 AM GMT / 3:30 PM Local Final (Winner Q1 vs Winner Q2) ⏰ 4:45 PM / 1:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM Local
