PTA orders PTML to suspend new ONIC SIM, eSIM issuance and subscriptions

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