PTCL Group Returns to Profitability with Rs. 3.1 Billion Net Profit in Q1 2026

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the country’s leading telecom and ICT services provider, has announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. PTCL Group sustained strong growth momentum, further strengthening its position as Pakistan’s leading integrated telecom and ICT services provider.

During the period, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) formally approved the proposed amalgamation of Pak Telecom Mobile Limited and Telenor Pakistan (Private) Limited. The proposed merger will be implemented through a scheme of arrangement in accordance with applicable laws.

The change of control of Telenor Pakistan was completed on December 31, 2025, bringing the company and its infrastructure under PTCL’s full ownership. Following this development, PTCL advanced integration planning during Q1 2026.

This consolidation is expected to create a stronger and more efficient telecom platform with enhanced nationwide coverage, improved service quality, and a significantly expanded customer base, positioning PTCL as a key player in Pakistan’s evolving digital ecosystem.

Effective January 1, 2026, the financial results of Telenor Pakistan have been consolidated into PTCL Group accounts.

Financial Highlights

PTCL Group

• Consolidated revenue increased by 58% year-on-year, driven by the inclusion of Telenor Pakistan’s results and sustained growth in fixed broadband, enterprise, wholesale, and mobile services.
• Consolidated operating profit surged by 564%, supported by the inclusion of Telenor Pakistan, strong recovery at Ubank, continued improvement in Ufone’s financial performance, and robust results from PTCL’s core operations.
• The Group reported a net profit of Rs. 3.1 billion, compared to a net loss of Rs. 4 billion in the corresponding period last year, primarily driven by strong operating performance.

Wireline Segment

• PTCL revenue grew by 6.5% year-on-year, led by 27% growth in Flash Fiber and 11% growth in Business Solutions. Carrier and wholesale services also sustained momentum with 14% year-on-year growth.
• Operating profit rose to Rs. 4.6 billion, reflecting an 11% increase.
• Net profit stood at Rs. 0.9 billion for the quarter.

Wireless Segment

• Revenue increased by 131% year-on-year, driven by the consolidation of Telenor Pakistan and growth in both retail and corporate segments.
• Operating profit reached Rs. 14.1 billion, up 190% year-on-year, supported by Telenor Pakistan’s inclusion and improved Ufone performance.
• Net profit stood at Rs. 2.7 billion, compared to a loss of Rs. 1.3 billion in the same period last year, driven by strong operating results and consolidation benefits.

Banking Segment

Ubank recorded revenue of Rs. 5.8 billion, with a significant improvement in profitability, reflecting a strong recovery in banking operations.

Operational Highlights

PTCL Group achieved a major milestone in Q1 2026 by securing a significant share in Pakistan’s landmark 5G spectrum auction, strengthening its position in next-generation connectivity.

The acquisition of high-capacity spectrum in the globally recognized 3.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands will enable ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and advanced digital services across consumer and enterprise segments. This spectrum will be utilized across the integrated Ufone and Telenor Pakistan network following their ongoing merger, creating the largest spectrum portfolio in Pakistan and serving more than 72 million customers.

This development positions PTCL Group to accelerate nationwide 5G deployment, enhance network efficiency, and enable new digital use cases across industries, reinforcing its leadership in Pakistan’s digital transformation.

PTCL also introduced an enhanced Flash Fiber portfolio, with entry-level speeds starting at 30 Mbps, reflecting a strategic focus on improving baseline broadband standards.

Brand, Digital & Business Developments

PTCL Group continued to strengthen brand engagement through culture-driven and socially relevant campaigns.

On World Education Day, PTCL launched a campaign with Shehzad Roy, promoting a more balanced and empathetic approach to education.

The Business Solutions segment maintained strong momentum, driven by demand for cloud, data centers, managed services, and cybersecurity solutions, strengthening PTCL’s position as a trusted enterprise partner.

Ufone Performance Highlights

• Launched the Super 5 campaign featuring Babar Azam, reinforcing its “Data Bohhaaat Hai” positioning, generating 91 million impressions, 15 million reach, and 10 million views.
• Strengthened engagement during the Pakistan Super League through the Peshawar Zalmi campaign, enhancing cultural relevance.
• Digital recharge value grew by 11% year-on-year, while digital SIM sales increased by 21% year-on-year, supported by self-care app, website, bot services, and partner networks.

Upaisa

Posted strong growth of 42% year-on-year, driven by customer acquisition and deeper wallet penetration.

Telenor Pakistan Highlights

• Retail revenue grew due to ARPU improvement and increased engagement with high-value data bundles.
• Subscriber base grew by 1.7%, focusing on quality, data-active users.
• Gaming SIM initiative helped attract and retain high-value customers.

Digital Transformation

• My Telenor App user base grew by 18% year-on-year following a major redesign.
• Digital recharge increased by 34% year-on-year.
• WhatsApp Chat Channel was launched, improving customer service and complaint resolution.

Technology & Innovation

• Successfully executed the world’s largest single-go migration to a cloud-based, 5G-enabled charging and billing system, enabling 100+ APIs for scalable digital infrastructure.
• Strengthened AI ecosystem through Indus AI Week 2026 and launched AI Seekho in collaboration with Google and public-sector partners.

Social Impact Initiatives

PTCL Group continued its commitment to social development and inclusion:

• Under the Ba-Ikhtiar program, training initiatives were launched across 22 districts, onboarding approximately 2,100 women for digital and entrepreneurial skills development.
• In partnership with UNICEF, SMS-based polio awareness campaigns were conducted, alongside Ramadan humanitarian outreach.
• The PTCL Water Project continues across South Punjab and Thar, targeting clean drinking water access for approximately 150,000 people.

Telenor Pakistan Social Impact

• Partnered with UNICEF Pakistan on Child Online Protection sessions.
• Collaborated with Four Brothers Group to deliver digital advisory services to farmers for sustainable agriculture.
• Launched QR-enabled SmartShop initiative, transforming retail outlets into digital service points.
• Recognized globally at the GDEIB Awards 2026 and HR Metrics DEI Survey for leadership in diversity and inclusion.