Pakistan PTCL Privatization dispute resolution 2026. Pakistan is taking decisive steps to finally end a long‑running $799 million. This dispute stemming from the privatization of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) more than 16 years ago. Senior government officials have engaged in high‑level talks with the UAE telecom giant Etisalat in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement and close the lengthy disagreement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently traveled to Dubai to meet with Etisalat’s leadership. Focusing on finalizing the outstanding payment and resolving outstanding issues related to the original privatization deal. Officials say Pakistan has intentionally pursued dialogue instead of legal action through international arbitration. Viewing a negotiated settlement as more likely to preserve diplomatic and economic ties while also helping boost investor confidence.
The dispute dates back to 2006, when Pakistan sold a 26 percent stake. And management control of PTCL to Etisalat for $2.6 billion. However, Etisalat withheld roughly $799 million of the agreed funds. Citing discrepancies in the transfer of properties that were suppose to be include in the privatization agreement. Under the terms of the original deal, 3,384 PTCL properties were to be hand over. But later assessments found that only 3,248 properties existed on the ground. And 38 could not be transferred at all creating a long‑standing gap that stalled full payment and led to repeat negotiations over the years.
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Recent discussions between Pakistani officials and Etisalat representatives have also touched on expanding cooperation. And future investment opportunities, signaling a potential turning point not just for resolving the old dispute. But also for strengthening broader UAE‑Pakistan economic relations. The ongoing efforts mark one of the most significant attempts in more than a decade. To settle the legacy issue, which has lingered without resolution since the initial privatization deal. Analysts say that ending this deadlock could clear the way for enhanced investment confidence and renew focus on other telecom sector developments.