Islamabad: News desk: Following the regulatory approval of the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Ufone, serious allegations have emerged against Telenor Pakistan’s former and outgoing management, accusing them of nepotism, personal-interest–driven decisions, and large-scale mismanagement that allegedly pushed the company to the brink and ultimately led to its sale.
Telecom industry experts state that Telenor’s network had already been suffering from congestion and technical weaknesses, but poor strategic planning and administrative failures further worsened service quality and operational stability. Sources now claim that similar damaging practices are being extended to Telenor’s digital financial services subsidiary, Easypaisa.
According to industry insiders, advertisements are being forcefully displayed within the Easypaisa app without users’ consent, allegedly to persuade customers that Telenor Pakistan has not been sold—despite the fact that regulatory authorities have approved the transaction and Ufone has publicly announced the acquisition.
Critics argue that such actions amount to deliberate misinformation and exploitation of consumers, particularly when promotional content appears directly on users’ digital wallets. Experts maintain that placing advertisements on personal financial interfaces without explicit permission may constitute a violation of digital consumer protection and data privacy regulations.
Furthermore, it is alleged that severe mismanagement within Telenor’s HR, Marketing, and PR departments has caused long-term reputational damage to the company. Observers say the scale of deterioration caused by these departments is unprecedented in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
Industry stakeholders have urged relevant regulators, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), to immediately investigate these practices, ensure transparency regarding ownership and administrative transition, and take action against those responsible for misleading the public.
Public circles emphasize that protecting consumer rights and restoring trust in digital and telecom services must remain a top priority as Pakistan moves toward a more robust digital economy.
