PTCL returns to profit and prepares for 5G rollout

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has returned to profitability after more than four years, marking a major financial turnaround for the country’s leading telecom group. The company also announced plans to launch 5G services next month, signalling a new phase of digital expansion in Pakistan’s telecom sector.

According to PTCL Group Chief Executive Hatem Bamatraf, the company’s revenue increased by 58% in the first quarter (January–March 2026) compared to the same period last year. He said the improvement was driven by stronger performance across fixed broadband, enterprise, wholesale, and mobile segments, alongside the consolidation of Telenor Pakistan’s financial results into the PTCL Group.

The inclusion of Telenor Pakistan significantly boosted operational performance, with operating profit rising by 564% during the quarter. PTCL reported a net profit of Rs3.1 billion, compared to a net loss of Rs4 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2025, reflecting a strong recovery in core operations.

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Bamatraf described the development as the beginning of a “new phase of sustainable growth,” adding that the merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan, once completed, would further enhance service quality and customer experience. He also confirmed that Ufone is expected to roll out 5G services in May after receiving a commercial licence from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Meanwhile, PTCL Group CFO Nadeem Khan cautioned that external pressures, including geopolitical tensions and rising fuel and interest rates, could impact financial performance in the coming quarters. However, he said the company has prepared mitigation strategies to manage potential risks.

The group’s banking subsidiary, U Bank, also reported improved results with revenues of Rs5.8 billion, indicating a broader recovery across PTCL’s diversified portfolio.