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

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

Key points

• Kalbe Ali Published September 15, 2026 Updated September 15, 2026 10: 14pm.
• After winning the legal battle, the telecom regulator issued the order on September 11, 2026, ufone subsequently approached the courts and.
• Earlier in June, Telenor Pakistan was formally amalgamated into PTML – the legal name for Ufone – after final approval by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
• Follow Dawn Business on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and throughout the world.
• Kalbe Ali is a senior staff reporter for Dawn based in Islamabad, with almost 20 years of field reporting experience.

Kalbe Ali Published September 15, 2026 Updated September 15, 2026 10: 14pm. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

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.

In practice, the PTA's recent order comes more than three years after the initial notice was issued to Ufone's management.

PTML, the parent firm of Ufone, has lately completed its merger with Telenor Pakistan. The firm is a subsidiary of state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Business Limited (PTCL).

Notably, the composition of Ufone's board additionally reflects the state's significant role in the business. While a number of other administration authorities, along with a PML-N MNA, serve on the board, its chairman is the federal secretary for IT.

As well as direct customer operations, the PTA order remarked ONIC has separate branding, packages, a dedicated mobile app, billing and customer management systems. These features create its business model similar to that of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

Talking to Dawn, a senior PTA official remarked existing ONIC customers would have to be migrated to PTML within three months. "The other option is for PTML to obtain an MVNO licence from the PTA and continue to market ONIC as a separate entity, " the official continued.

Meanwhile, the PTA order states that the firm must submit a compliance report within seven working days, confirming that the ordered activities have been ceased and explaining the steps taken to comply.

Meanwhile, the newly merged telecom firm, Ufone/Telenor Pakistan, stated in an official note that ONIC customers would continue to receive uninterrupted services.

"ONIC would like to reassure its customers that there is no disruption to its services and that they can continue to use them without interruption, " the statement remarked.

"We remain fully committed to serving our customers and maintaining the highest standards of connectivity, service and backing. Our customers remain our top priority, and we appreciate their continued trust and confidence in ONIC, " it continued.

Kalbe Ali is a senior staff reporter for Dawn based in Islamabad, with almost 20 years of field reporting experience. As well as religious affairs, he covers a diverse range of topics, including the internet, IT and telecom sectors.

For now, PTA orders PTML to suspend new ONIC SIM, eSIM issuance and subscriptions remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.