Pakistan considers international arbitration against Etisalat to recover $800 million in PTCL dues

Pakistan is weighing international arbitration to collect about $800 million that Etisalat has not paid in connection with its 2005 purchase of a 26% stake and management control in Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). Profit by Pakistan Today, citing Dawn, reported that officials discussed the dispute at a joint Senate committee meeting on Tuesday. The government is also seeking opportunity cost from 2008 and applicable damages.

The unpaid amount is tied to PTCL property transfers: 32 of the 3,246 properties covered in the latest briefing remain outstanding, while 99% have been transferred. Negotiations and committees have not resolved the matter since 2015, and a committee formed in July 2026 recommended assessing arbitration under the sale agreement. The Attorney General must evaluate the case before the government decides whether to notify Etisalat; senators also questioned their restricted access to the agreement.