Telenor-Ufone Employees Face Job Cuts, Tests or Get Separation Package

The merger between Telenor Pakistan and Ufone is expected to cut jobs for hundreds of employees as part of a large-scale restructuring to end duplicate roles at Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML).

Sources informed ProPakistani that the workforce adjustment is expected to be completed over the next few weeks following the legal completion of the merger between Telenor Pakistan and Ufone.

The downsizing will impact sales, marketing, finance, human resources, technology, customer services and administration employees. Around 300-500 employees could be reduced from PTML’s headcount.

Sources said employees who want to stay at PTML will have to pass aptitude tests, functional proficiency assessments and interviews. The exercise will determine appointments to positions in the newly merged company.

Employees who qualify will be retained in their preferred roles, subject to availability. Those who are not selected for their first-choice positions will be considered for other suitable vacancies provided they meet the required competency standards.

Sources added that employees who cannot be accommodated after the assessment will be separated from the company. Sources said they will be offered a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS), commonly known as a golden handshake.

Director Corporate Communications at PTML Saad Mustafa Waraich told ProPakistani, “At this stage of a newly amalgamated organisation, our focus remains on integration, establishing operating structures, governance and policies. With that priority, we cannot comment on speculation related to internal plans.”

Before the merger, Telenor Pakistan employed around 800 people, while nearly 300 Ufone employees have already been shifted to the company’s headquarters at 345.

The restructuring has already begun affecting employees. In one recent case, a senior sales executive resigned after failing to secure a position in the merged organisation.

The ongoing exercise has created uncertainty among employees, many of whom are awaiting the outcome of the selection process at PTML.