Zong has finally been issued an LDI license (Long Distance and International) for Pakistan, we have confirmed with sources.
Zong was long struggling to get the LDI license, which was earlier denied due to an agreement between Government of Pakistan and Etisalat.
According to PTCL SPA (Sale-Purchase agreement) government of Pakistan was bound to not to issue any new telecom license till March 2013.
Despite starting its operations in Pakistan in April 2008, CMPak or Zong struggled to get the license.
Situation went deteriorating given the fact that Pakistan and China enjoy strong relations. These bilateral ties were getting only stronger but Zong remained without well deserved LDI license.
Recently, Government of Pakistan principally decided to issue Zong an LDI license, however, events turned last week when Sindh High Court imposed a hold on issuance of new LDI licenses, based on the fact that Telecom Policy had expired and licensing should be done on renewed policy.
SHC, yesterday, vacated the stay order and Zong was today immediately issued the LDI license.
It is likely that SHC will reinstate the stay on new licenses in a day or two.