The federal government has reportedly put the proposed rebranding of the merged Ufone-Telenor entity as “e&” on hold after legal and corporate governance concerns emerged during the approval process.
According to reports, the proposed brand name had received approval from the Ufone Board of Directors, despite the PTCL Board having previously deferred the matter. Authorities are now examining whether Ufone’s board had the legal authority to approve the new corporate identity before all merger-related formalities were officially completed.
Another key issue under review is the removal of the word “Pakistan” from the telecom company’s identity. Officials are reportedly assessing whether replacing the country’s name with the global “e&” branding aligns with legal requirements, corporate governance standards, and the broader public interest. The proposed change has sparked debate over preserving the national identity of one of Pakistan’s leading telecommunications operators.
Punjab’s Tech-Led PSER Registers 9 Million Homes & 40 Million Citizens
The merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan is one of the most significant developments in the country’s telecom sector, aimed at creating a stronger and more competitive mobile network. However, authorities are emphasizing that all corporate decisions related to the merger must comply with applicable laws, regulatory procedures, and governance frameworks before implementation.
Government officials have indicated that the final decision on the rebranding will be made only after the legal review is completed. Until then, the proposed “e&” identity will remain on hold.
The outcome of the review could influence not only the company’s future branding strategy but also set an important precedent for corporate governance and merger approvals within Pakistan’s telecommunications industry.