PTA approval expected next week; banking and SBP-led transaction to conclude in early January, officials confirm

Islamabad | Flare Magazine News Desk: In a major development for Pakistan’s telecom sector, PTCL/Ufone has completed all internal and commercial formalities to acquire Telenor Pakistan, marking one of the most significant industry consolidations in recent years. The transaction, which has been under regulatory review for months, is now in its final approval phase.

A senior official from PTCL/Ufone confirmed to Flare Magazine that the company has concluded its part of the acquisition process. According to the official:

> “The acquisition of Telenor Pakistan has been fully completed from our side. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is expected to issue its detailed merger order next week, following which the banking and State Bank–supervised transaction will be finalized in the first week of January. The payment to Telenor will be completed accordingly.”

This milestone follows the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)’s approval, which cleared the merger from a competition and market-impact perspective.

How the Deal Progressed: A Year-long Process

Telenor Group began exploring divestment options in Pakistan in late 2023. The acquisition journey progressed through several stages:

Ufone/PTCL Group initiated discussions and expressed formal interest

Throughout 2024, extensive negotiations took place involving financial valuation, spectrum assessment, network integration plans, and regulatory compliance

By mid-2024, the commercial structure of the deal was finalized

Regulatory reviews were completed by CCP and the Ministry of IT & Telecom

PTA’s approval is now imminent and expected within the coming week

This acquisition will significantly reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape.

Combined Subscriber Strength After the Merger

According to 2024 industry figures:

Ufone/PTCL Group

Mobile subscribers: ≈ 25 million

Telenor Pakistan

Mobile subscribers: ≈ 23 million

Post-merger total

👉 Over 48 million mobile users
This transformation will position Ufone as Pakistan’s second-largest mobile operator.

Government Confirms Imminent Approval

Senior officials from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication have also confirmed to Flare Magazine that PTA will issue formal approval next week.

A government source said:

> “All legal, technical, spectrum-related, and competitive requirements have been met. PTA will formally approve the merger in the coming week.”

The move is expected to unlock fresh investment and enhance nationwide network quality.

January 2026: Final Banking Settlement

Once PTA issues its final order:

State Bank of Pakistan will process the financial transaction through the designated consortium

PTCL/Ufone will transfer the agreed payment to Telenor Group

Legal ownership transfer will be completed in early January

Telenor Pakistan will officially become part of PTCL/Ufone Group

Industry Impact: A New Telecom Structure for Pakistan

Pakistan’s market will consolidate to three major operators

Ufone’s market share and network footprint will expand dramatically

Subscribers from both networks will benefit from improved coverage, spectrum efficiency, and enhanced 4G/5G readiness

The merger is expected to accelerate digital transformation initiatives in the country

For students balancing classes, projects, online learning, social life, and content creation, the iPhone 14 series has become one of the most popular choices in 2025. It offers a strong blend of performance, durability, battery life, and value. While flagship iPhones like the 15 and 16 series are available, students often want a high-quality device that fits their budget without compromising essential features. That is exactly where the iPhone 14 series stands out.

The entire lineup iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max continues to attract students because of its long term reliability, modern hardware, and smooth iOS experience.

This detailed article explains why the iPhone 14 series is the top-selling choice for students, which model suits which type of student, and how it performs in real academic life.

Why Students Prefer the iPhone 14 Series

Reliable Performance for Study and Everyday Use

Students usually need a phone that can handle everything at once: browsing websites for research, switching between apps, joining online classes, editing assignments, watching tutorials, and staying active on messaging apps. The iPhone 14 series handles this multitasking smoothly. Whether you choose the base model or the Pro models, the processor is strong enough to keep apps running without lag.

This means students can easily switch between notes, browser tabs, videos, and social apps without the device slowing down. For study heavy days, reliability matters more than having the newest processor, and this is where the iPhone 14 lineup excels.

Excellent Battery Life for Long College Days

Battery performance is one of the most important factors for students. No one wants to look for a charger in the middle of lectures, group projects, or university events. The iPhone 14 and especially the iPhone 14 Plus deliver impressive battery backup. Even with video streaming, browsing, WhatsApp, or attending online classes, the phone usually lasts the full day.

For students who travel long distances or spend hours on campus, this all-day battery makes their routine easier and stress free. The Plus and Pro Max models are especially appreciated for their large batteries, which provide enough charge for study, entertainment, and travel.

Comfortable for Online Classes and Study Apps

In recent years, online learning has become a normal part of student life. Whether using Zoom, Google Classroom, YouTube tutorials, or LMS portals, a device must be reliable, clear, and responsive. The iPhone 14 series offers excellent display quality, stable performance, and smooth handling of video calls and lectures.

The high brightness helps when studying outdoors or in classrooms with strong lighting. Smooth scrolling and sharp text make reading notes, PDFs, and books much easier, reducing eye strain during long study sessions.

Great for Taking Notes, Assignments, and Scans

Many students use their phone as a digital study tool. The iPhone 14’s camera makes scanning documents, taking pictures of whiteboards, and capturing assignments extremely easy. Apps like Notes, Notion, and Microsoft OneNote work seamlessly, allowing students to organize their study material efficiently.

The sharper, clearer images help in scanning pages without blur, which is very useful for students who prefer digital backups of their notes.

Ideal for Content Creators and Social Media Users

Student life today includes social media, photography, and sometimes part-time content creation. The iPhone 14 Pro models are especially strong in this area. They offer sharp photos, smooth videos, good low-light performance, and stable recording. For students who post on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, this is a valuable advantage.

Even the base iPhone 14 provides very good camera quality, enough for everyday photos, vlogs, and memories with friends. The Pro models, however, offer extra features like enhanced night mode and cinematic video, which are popular among creative students.

Long-Term Software Support for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Students often want a device that lasts several years because upgrading every year is not practical. Apple’s long software support makes the iPhone 14 series a safe investment. It will keep receiving iOS updates, security improvements, and app compatibility for a long time.

This ensures the phone remains usable during most of the student’s academic journey whether it’s intermediate, university, or early career years.

Which iPhone 14 Model Is Best for Students?

Every student has different needs. Here’s a useful breakdown to help choose the right model.

iPhone 14 – The Best Everyday Student Option

This model provides everything a typical student needs: strong performance, good cameras, smooth iOS experience, and balanced battery life. It is ideal for students who want a reliable phone without spending too much.

Perfect for students who use their phone mainly for notes, WhatsApp, assignments, browsing, and video lectures.

iPhone 14 Plus The Best for Battery and Larger Screen

The Plus model is loved by students who watch many lectures, read PDFs, or prefer a larger display. The big battery is its strongest advantage, making it perfect for long study days, back-to-back classes, and long commutes.

Ideal for students who value screen size, battery backup, and comfort for reading and watching videos.

iPhone 14 Pro Perfect for Creative Students

Students studying media, photography, graphic design, or those who create content regularly may prefer the Pro model. It has better camera features, smoother display, and a more premium build. It handles heavy apps comfortably, making it suitable for creative coursework and editing projects.

Great for students who want high end performance without going for the newest flagship.

iPhone 14 Pro Max The Ultimate Choice for Power Users

If you want the best of everything maximum battery life, top camera performance, and a large display this is the top choice. It suits students who stay on their phones extensively for studying, watching videos, writing notes, gaming, or creating content.

The Pro Max is especially appreciated by students who want a phone that can last several years without feeling outdated.

Tips for Students Buying an iPhone 14 Series

Before making your purchase, keep these tips in mind to get better value:

Choose storage based on your usage.
Study-heavy students who download tutorials or save many photos should consider 256GB.

Check battery health if buying second-hand.
A healthy battery ensures long uptime and better performance.

Use a protective case.
Students carry their phones everywhere, so protection is important.

Update the software regularly.
This ensures the phone stays secure, smooth, and compatible with apps.

Avoid very cheap, suspicious deals.
Always verify the device before buying.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 14 series stands out as the top-selling lineup for students because it delivers long-term value, strong performance, reliable battery life, and a smooth user experience. It is suitable for studying, entertainment, content creation, and everyday communication everything a student needs from a modern smartphone.

Whether you choose the basic iPhone 14 for balanced performance, the iPhone 14 Plus for longer battery, or the Pro models for extra power and creativity, the series offers something valuable for every type of student. In 2025, it remains one of the smartest and most practical choices for students looking for a dependable iPhone that fits both their needs and their budget.

Read More Articles:

Even years after its launch, the iPhone 13 Pro Max continues to be one of the most reliable and versatile iPhones available in 2025. Its combination of performance, battery life, camera quality, and premium build makes it an all-rounder device suitable for almost every type of user. Whether you’re a professional, student, content creator, or casual user, it delivers a strong, balanced experience without needing the very latest model.

Strong Performance That Lasts

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by a capable processor and sufficient RAM, which ensures smooth operation for daily apps, gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Even in 2025, it handles modern apps efficiently without noticeable lag, making it feel fast and responsive compared to many other smartphones in the same price range.

This long-lasting performance is why it is considered a reliable all-rounder: users can depend on it for heavy use while still experiencing smooth performance years after purchase.

Premium Build and Large Display

One of the biggest advantages of the 13 Pro Max is its design. It features a stainless steel frame and a durable glass back, giving the device a solid, high-quality feel. The large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers sharp visuals, vivid colors, and smooth scrolling.

The screen’s adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth animations and comfortable viewing for gaming, streaming, or everyday tasks. Its large size also makes it ideal for media consumption, reading, and productivity apps, providing a premium experience that feels modern even in 2025.

Exceptional Battery Life

Battery life is another strong point. The 13 Pro Max’s large battery and efficient hardware allow for long hours of use, whether for work, entertainment, or travel. For users who don’t want to charge multiple times a day, this phone is particularly appealing.

Even with daily heavy usage, the battery remains reliable, making it an ideal companion for professionals, travelers, or anyone who depends on their phone throughout the day.

Versatile Camera System

The iPhone 13 Pro Max comes with a triple-camera setup: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. This makes it versatile for almost any photography need. Users can take excellent portraits, landscape shots, or zoomed-in images without sacrificing quality.

Low-light photography remains strong, and the phone supports multiple shooting modes, ensuring it meets the needs of casual users as well as budding content creators. It continues to deliver impressive results years after its release.

Long-Term Software Support

One of the reasons the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a top all-rounder is Apple’s long-term software support. Even in 2025, it receives regular updates, keeping the device secure, stable, and compatible with modern apps. This extends the useful life of the phone significantly and ensures it continues to perform well over time.

Balanced Choice for Everyday Users

The 13 Pro Max offers a combination of premium features, reliability, and usability at a price lower than the latest models. It is perfect for users who want:

• A large and vivid display for media and productivity
• Smooth performance for multitasking and gaming
• Long-lasting battery life
• A capable camera system for everyday photography
• Durable design and long-term software support

Its balance of features makes it a reliable all-rounder suitable for almost any user type.

Tips to Maintain Reliability

To ensure your iPhone 13 Pro Max stays in top condition and retains value over time:

• Use a case and screen protector to prevent scratches or damage.
• Keep battery health in check; replace the battery if performance declines.
• Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture to preserve the hardware.
• Update iOS regularly to maintain security and smooth performance.

Conclusion

In 2025, the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains one of the most reliable all-rounder smartphones. It combines strong performance, a premium display, versatile cameras, excellent battery life, and long-term software support. For users who want a device that can handle almost any task, deliver a premium experience, and remain usable for years, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a top choice.

Read More Articles:

Even though newer iPhone’s have launched since its release, the iPhone 13 Pro remains a strong choice in 2025 especially for someone who wants a premium smartphone satisfying high expectations without spending top tier money. Its blend of design, performance, and features gives it a long life, making it a “smart buy” for those who care about value rather than just having the newest model.

Premium Feel Without Premium Price

iPhone 13 Pro uses high quality materials. The stainless steel frame and matte glass back give it a solid, premium feel which many phones priced similarly cannot match. The display, a sharp OLED with smooth refresh rate, still performs very well: vibrant colours, crisp images, and smooth scrolling make it great for everyday use, watching videos, or browsing social media.

Because of its build and display quality, the iPhone 13 Pro feels like a flagship device even today. For users who want a “luxury phone experience” without paying the highest price tag, this model hits the right balance.

Performance That Holds Up Over Time

Under the hood, the hardware of iPhone 13 Pro remains capable. It is fast, reliable, and handles modern apps, games, multitasking, and video/photo editing without noticeable slowdown. Even as new iOS updates arrive, the 13 Pro usually runs them smoothly.

This longevity in performance is a big reason many users still prefer iPhone 13 Pro in 2025 you get a device that feels “future‑proof enough” without having to pay for a brand-new flagship.

Strong Camera System for Everyday and Creative Use

The triple-camera setup gives you flexibility: wide, ultra wide, telephoto letting you shoot normal photos, landscapes, portraits, or zoomed shots. For most users, this covers everything: from casual photography to creative content creation. The cameras deliver good results in daylight and fairly good performance in low light, making the phone versatile for daily use, travel, or social media.

In short, you don’t need to pay extra for the newest camera upgrade unless you specifically need cutting-edge photography. For everyday users, iPhone 13 Pro remains more than sufficient.

Balanced Cost vs Benefit Ideal for Budget Conscious Flagship Seekers

Because the 13 Pro is no longer the latest generation, its price in resale or refurbished markets tends to be lower than brand-new top models. Yet, you get almost all the premium features: performance, camera versatility, display quality, and sturdy design. That makes it a strong value-for-money choice i.e. “buy high quality without overspending.”

For people in Pakistan or other markets where cost matters, this balance between quality and price makes the 13 Pro a compelling option.

What to Check When Buying iPhone 13 Pro in 2025

If you choose iPhone 13 Pro today, here are some factors to pay attention to make sure you get a good deal and long-term use:

• Check battery health: older phones may have reduced battery capacity. A carful check or battery replacement may help extend life.
• Examine body and screen condition: scratches, dents, or display issues can reduce user experience and resale value.
• Choose storage size wisely: mid‑level storage options often offer good balance between price and usability.
• Prefer units with original accessories and unlocked status: they remain easier to resell or reuse without restrictions.
  

Who Should Buy iPhone 13 Pro Right Now

iPhone 13 Pro is especially suitable if you:

• Want an iPhone that feels premium but costs less than the newest generation.
• Use your phone for everyday tasks, photography, browsing, social media, and occasional heavy apps but don’t need cutting edge hardware.
• Are budget-conscious but don’t want to compromise on build quality, performance, or feature set.
• Plan to keep the phone for 2–3 years at the current pace, it can remain relevant and smooth for major part of that time.

Final Thoughts

Even in 2025, iPhone 13 Pro remains one of the most sensible “flagship level but budget-friendly” smartphones. It delivers premium feel, strong performance, reliable cameras, and long-term usability all usually at a lower cost than brand new top-tier phones.

For anyone who values quality and performance, but wants to avoid overpaying for the latest generation, iPhone 13 Pro remains a very smart buy. Its balanced mix of features and cost make it one of the best value-for-money iPhone’s available today.

Read More Articles:

Strong Build and Premium Materials

The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses premium grade materials such as titanium, a durable ceramic shield, and a high-end display that resists wear. Because the phone ages slowly in appearance and performance, buyers feel confident purchasing it second-hand. A device that looks new even after months of use naturally sells at a higher price.

Long iOS Support

Apple supports its devices for many years, and the 15 Pro Max runs smoothly on the latest iOS versions even in 2025. This long-term software support boosts resale value because buyers know the phone will stay usable and secure for years. A stable operating system is one of the biggest reasons people choose used iPhones over used Android phones.

High Demand for Pro Max Models

The Pro Max versions always attract more buyers because they offer the largest display, the best battery performance, and the strongest camera system. When a phone sits at the top of a lineup, it also sits at the top of the resale market. This demand remains steady even after newer models launch.

Excellent Performance That Remains Relevant

The 15 Pro Max’s chipset and graphics power still rival many new phones in 2025. Performance does not drop quickly, and apps run smoothly, making the device attractive in second-hand deals. Buyers know they are getting flagship level speed without paying the price of a new top-tier smartphone.

Ideal for Buyers Who Want Premium but Affordable

Many people prefer buying a slightly older flagship instead of buying a brand new midrange device. The 15 Pro Max fits this category perfectly. Because it offers top-tier performance but at a lower used price, resale demand stays very strong.

How Much Value the iPhone 15 Pro Max Typically Holds

While exact resale value varies by region, condition, and storage option, the iPhone 15 Pro Max usually holds a significant percentage of its original price even after 1–2 years. This is better than most smartphones. The value drop is slow and predictable, which is ideal for users who plan to sell or trade in later.

In markets like Pakistan, UAE, and the US, used iPhones especially Pro Max models sell quickly and often at premium prices if kept in good condition.

Things That Boost the Resale Value Further

To get the highest resale price for your iPhone 15 Pro Max, certain factors matter:

Keep the Phone in Excellent Condition

Even a few scratches can reduce resale value. Using a case and screen protector from day one helps maintain the phone’s fresh look.

Original Box and Accessories

Buyers pay more when the phone includes the box, cable, and original documentation. It shows the phone is well kept.

Battery Health

Battery health above 85% is considered good. Higher battery health means fewer worries for the new buyer and a stronger resale deal for you.

Mid-Range Storage Options Sell Easier

Options like 256GB or 512GB often sell quicker than 1TB, because they fit most buyers’ needs without increasing price too much.

Unlock Status

An unlocked phone sells faster and at higher value because it works with any carrier, especially in different countries.

Why 2025 Buyers Still Prefer the iPhone 15 Pro Max

It Feels Modern

Even though newer iPhone generations exist, the 15 Pro Max still looks and performs like a premium flagship. Its design remains modern, and the features remain competitive.

It’s a Great Deal in Used Condition

People who want a premium phone but don’t want to overspend see the 15 Pro Max as the perfect balance of price and performance.

Camera and Display Quality Remain Impressive

The 15 Pro Max continues to deliver reliable photography and an excellent viewing experience, which keeps resale interest high among content creators, students, and professionals.

Reputation of Durability

Because the phone can easily last for many years with normal use, second-hand buyers trust it more than any other option in the same price bracket.

Should You Buy or Sell the 15 Pro Max in 2025?

If You’re Buying

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the best value for money iPhones in 2025. You get:

A premium experience
Long software support
High performance
A strong camera setup
And great long-term resale security

You are buying a phone that will stay relevant for years without needing an upgrade quickly.

If You’re Selling

This is a great time to sell if you plan to upgrade. The demand remains high, especially for well-kept units with good battery health. Selling before the next iPhone launch usually results in a better price.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands as one of the best resale value smartphones in 2025. Its strong build, reliable performance, long software support, and high global demand make it a top-performing model in the used market. For anyone living in Pakistan or other regions where resale value plays a major role in purchasing decisions, the 15 Pro Max remains a smart and secure investment.

Read This Article: The Ultimate Guide: How to Evaluate a Phone before Making a Buying Decision

Read This Article: Ufone Launches Super Card Max

Read This Article: Samsung launches the powerful ‘Galaxy J7 Max’ smartphone in Pakistan

Read This Article: Zong 4G launches its Industry-first Monthly Digital Max Offer – Innovating beyond traditional mobile bundles

Read This Article: Infinix XPAD: A New Tablet Offering Max View, Max Fun