The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) on Thursday refuted media claims that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) telecom giant Etisalat was considering leaving the Pakistani market, stating that there had been “no discussion” regarding such an action.
This clarification followed a media report indicating that Etisalat was in the preliminary phases of assessing its involvement in the country’s telecom sector.
This assessment was reportedly part of a larger portfolio optimisation initiative that could potentially lead to its departure from Pakistan.
Etisalat International Pakistan assumed management control of PTCL in April 2006 as part of a $2.6 billion agreement to acquire a 26 percent stake in the company.
“We are preparing to release a statement on this matter. There is no truth to these claims,” PTCL Chief Executive Officer Hatem Bamatraf stated during a webinar, in response to an inquiry regarding Etisalat’s potential exit from the country.
He noted that this was a matter for the shareholders, not for PTCL, but mentioned that it was evident to him that no such discussions were taking place at Etisalat, which he identified as PTCL’s managing entity.
PTCL to provide high speed fiber internet to 10 million homes
Earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) revealed plans to broaden its fiber-optic broadband internet network to reach 10 million households throughout Pakistan, providing them with ultra-high-speed internet.
This objective was communicated by company representatives during a financial briefing, where PTCL detailed its long-term strategy aimed at improving fixed broadband internet in Pakistan.
The company further stated that ongoing investment in fiber infrastructure would continue to be a main focus to improve coverage and service quality.
Read more: PTCL to introduce fiber internet to 10 million households across Pakistan
