Telenor Prepares to Sell EasyPaisa Stake in Pakistan, Signaling Full Exit: Bloomberg
Oslo/Lahore, — Norwegian telecom giant Telenor is taking another significant step toward a complete withdrawal from Pakistan by exploring the sale of its controlling stake in EasyPaisa, one of the country’s leading digital financial services platforms.According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, Telenor is actively reviewing options to divest its majority…
Oslo/Lahore, — Norwegian telecom giant Telenor is taking another significant step toward a complete withdrawal from Pakistan by exploring the sale of its controlling stake in EasyPaisa, one of the country’s leading digital financial services platforms.
According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, Telenor is actively reviewing options to divest its majority shareholding in EasyPaisa Bank. If the deal materializes, it would mark the end of all Telenor business operations in Pakistan and result in the company’s full exit from the South Asian market.
Telenor has been gradually reducing its footprint in Pakistan amid economic challenges, regulatory hurdles, and security concerns. The potential sale of EasyPaisa follows earlier moves, including the sale of its core mobile network business. Industry analysts view this as the final chapter in Telenor’s long-term presence in the country, where it had been one of the largest foreign telecom investors for nearly two decades.
EasyPaisa, launched as a joint venture with Telenor Microfinance Bank, has grown into a major player in Pakistan’s fintech and digital payments sector. The divestment could attract interest from local banks, international fintech firms, or strategic investors looking to capitalize on Pakistan’s expanding digital economy.
Telenor has not yet issued an official statement on the reported discussions. The development comes as global telecom operators reassess emerging market investments amid rising operational costs and geopolitical risks.
