There has been rumors in Pakistan’s telecom industry that Zong (a China Mobile company in Pakistan) is in talks with Telenor to get some stake in its Pakistan operations. Some say Zong may get a minority stake while others argue Telenor may sell its complete setup in Pakistan to Zong. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, a discussion is also going on at a local online telecom discussion forum (Telecom Grid Pakistan) on this matter.

Historically, Telenor group has never given majority stake in its business to any other company. If this deal happens, it will be first of its kind.

On the other hand Pakistan’s telecom giant PTCL, which is now part of Etisalat (UAE), is also negotiating different options with Mobilink (an Orascom company) according to market sources. Mobilink, being the largest cellular operators in Pakistan, will change the face of PTCL incase it is acquired by PTCL. PTCL already has its own cellular company with the name of Ufone.

Analysts say that if this deal happens, it will create serious concerns for the young deregulated telecom market of Pakistan. It will boost PTCL’s monopoly in cellular sector as well as it is already enjoying largest market share in fixed telephony.