By Zainab Shafiq 
As Pakistan positions itself as a key player in South Asia’s evolving digital investment landscape, a high-level meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Etisalat Group CEO Hatem Dowidar has reignited momentum around the long-stalled PTCL-Telenor merger.
The discussion, held in Islamabad, focused on two critical issues: the long-overdue $800 million owed to Pakistan from PTCL’s privatization and the strategic significance of moving forward with the PTCL-Telenor merger. Both leaders acknowledged that unlocking progress on these fronts is essential for strengthening Pakistan’s role in the digital investment landscape.
Boosting Telecom Through Strategic Alliances
Dar underscored the merger’s importance for expanding telecom reach and digital inclusion across the country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment that would attract global players to invest in Pakistan’s growing ICT infrastructure.
Etisalat’s CEO, Dowidar, echoed this vision. While recognizing the challenges around unresolved financial matters, he reiterated Etisalat Group’s strong commitment to Pakistan and its readiness to support critical projects that will shape the country’s digital investment landscape.
The meeting brought together key officials including the Minister for IT, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, and senior bureaucrats from commerce and privatization. Their joint presence signaled a coordinated effort to resolve outstanding issues and fast-track essential telecom projects that align with Pakistan’s digital roadmap.
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