Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Ishaq Dar Meets Etisalat Chairman in Dubai Over the $799 Million PTCL Dispute

Pakistan said Dar and Etisalat’s chairman agreed to work toward resolving outstanding PTCL matters in Dubai. The statement did not confirm a settlement or payment.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Etisalat chairman Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi in Dubai on January 24, 2026, to discuss the company’s investment in Pakistan and outstanding matters related to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). The sides agreed to pursue joint efforts toward a resolution; the statement did not announce a settlement or payment.

What happened at the Dubai meeting?

The Foreign Office described the January 24, 2026, meeting as part of broader Pakistan-UAE economic cooperation. Its agenda included Etisalat’s investment in Pakistan, its PTCL stake, and outstanding matters connected with PTCL’s operations and future growth. The ministry said:

“Both sides agreed to pursue joint efforts to expeditiously resolve outstanding matters and to actively promote initiatives that expand economic and trade cooperation, fully aligned with the guidance of their respective leaderships.”

That wording signals an agreement to continue working toward a resolution. It does not say the parties signed a settlement, transferred property, or made a payment. The official release identifies the meeting and its participants; it does not specify an arrival time for Dar or give a dollar amount for the outstanding matters. Pakistan Foreign Office statement, January 24, 2026.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo (CAX30) DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem and WiFi 6 Router - AX2700 2.7 Gbps - Compatible with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and More - Gigabit Wireless Internet
  • MAXIMIZE YOUR CABLE INTERNET AND WHOLE-HOME WIFI: A cable modem and WiFi router in one device unlocks the full potential of your home internet with faster downloads, smoother WiFi for gaming and video calls, and reliable coverage in every room.
  • APPROVED FOR YOUR PROVIDER AND PLAN: Works with Xfinity internet plans up to 800Mbps, Spectrum up to 1Gbps, and Cox up to 1Gbps. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DirecTV, DISH, or bundled voice plans. ISP activation required after setup.
  • MULTI-GIG DOCSIS 3.1 SPEEDS: Get Gigabit+ cable download speeds on today's fastest plans, with headroom for the upgrades ahead. Real-world speeds depend on your plan and ISP network.
  • WIFI 6 COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE HOME: Stay connected in every room with dual-band AX2700 WiFi 6 covering up to 2,000 sq ft and capacity for 25+ connected devices. Real-world coverage depends on home size, layout, and building materials.
  • WIRED CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR FASTEST DEVICES: Four Gigabit Ethernet ports keep gaming consoles, desktops, and streaming devices hardwired for the lowest latency and the most stable connection in your home.

Where did the $799 million figure come from?

The dispute traces to the sale of a 26% stake in PTCL to Etisalat International Pakistan LLC under a sale agreement dated March 12, 2006. Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission identified the stake as 1,326 million B-class shares and listed total consideration of US$2,598.96 million.

In its 2008 annual report, the commission recorded US$799.307 million as receivable in six semi-annual installments through September 2010. It said the March 2008 installment was overdue while title transfers for PTCL properties recorded in the names of provincial and local governments were in process. This is a historical account of the receivable and the status reported at that time, not proof of the amount unpaid today. Pakistan Privatisation Commission, Annual Report 2008.

Rank #2
C4000LZ xDSL Gigabit 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi Modem Router Compatible with Centurylink (Renewed)
  • Smart Connect Technology: Intelligently assigns devices to the optimal Wi-Fi band, ensuring seamless connectivity through a single wireless network (SSID) for maximum performance
  • High-Speed Performance: Supports impressive fiber speeds up to 2.5 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload, perfect for demanding internet activities
  • Advanced WiFi 6: Features dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ax technology with backward compatibility for older devices (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
  • Dynamic QoS: Optimizes internet traffic by prioritizing applications and devices, delivering smoother streaming and enhanced online experience
  • Multiple Connections: Equipped with 5 Gigabit ports (1 WAN + 4 LAN) for versatile wired connectivity options alongside wireless capabilities

How the share sale and property issue fit together

The share sale and the property-title issue are related, but they are not the same event. Etisalat acquired the agreed PTCL shareholding under the 2006 transaction. The commission’s 2008 report separately linked an overdue installment to the ongoing process of transferring titles for PTCL properties.

Business Recorder’s report on the Dubai meeting described the approximately US$799 million as withheld amid disagreement over PTCL properties due to be transferred under the privatization deal. That is contemporaneous reporting about the dispute; it does not replace the full sale agreement or establish the parties’ complete legal positions or the status of each property. Business Recorder, January 25, 2026.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Centurylink C3000A Wireless DSL Modem Router (Renewed)
  • The Actiontec C3000A uses smart Wi-Fi to transition connected devices between 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands. The router supports WPA3, EasyConnect, Agile Multiband, and EasyMesh from the Wi-Fi Alliance.
  • Leverage superior Wi-Fi performance with the C3000A's 802.11AC technology, perfect for gaming, HD streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
  • Ensuring top-tier network security with a built-in firewall and advanced WPA3 encryption, your data and personal information are always safeguarded.
  • The Actiontec C3000A's dual-band technology supports seamless, uninterrupted multi-device streaming, gaming, and web browsing, elevating your internet experience.
  • Equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, the C3000A offers high-speed wired connections for your devices, optimizing reliability and consistency.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What is known about the amount still outstanding?

The published accounts use figures from different dates and for different purposes:

Figure Source and date What it establishes
US$2,598.96 million Privatisation Commission annual report, 2008 Total consideration stated for the 26% share sale under the 2006 agreement.
US$799.307 million Privatisation Commission annual report, 2008 Amount recorded as receivable in six semi-annual installments through September 2010; the report said the March 2008 installment was overdue during the property-title transfer process.
Approximately US$800 million Senate committee discussion, 2026 An amount described as reportedly owed in connection with PTCL privatization; this is not a definitive statement of the current balance.

The Senate committee account also said an NDA restricted the ministry secretary from disclosing certain details. The committee asked the ministry to find a way to provide information while protecting confidentiality. Senate of Pakistan committee account, 2026.

Rank #4
ARRIS Surfboard G34 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & Wi-Fi 6 Router | AX3000
  • MultiGig speed for today & tomorrow: DOCSIS 3.1 performance supports cable internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps, delivering ultrafast streaming, gaming, and downloads.
  • Save on rental fees: Own your modem and avoid monthly equipment charges - check with your cable provider for plan compatibility.
  • Compact, modern design: Space saving footprint with simple LED indicators for power, upstream/downstream, and online status.
  • Easy setup: Connect cable, power on, and activate with your cable provider. Then join the default Wi-Fi or personalize your own Wi-Fi network name and password.
  • Wi-Fi 6 Coverage: Includes dual-band W-Fi 6 (AX3000) delivering up to 3 Gbps wireless performance for your whole home.

The Foreign Office’s meeting statement does not quantify the disputed amount. The public accounts cited here do not confirm the present balance, a final settlement, a payment, or completion of the property transfers.

Best Value
Hitron CODA56 Cable Internet Modem ONLY - DOCSIS 3.1 | 2.5 Gbps | NO WiFi - Requires Router | Xfinity/Spectrum/Cox Compatible | NOT for Fiber/DSL
  • ⚠️ CABLE INTERNET ONLY - NOT COMPATIBLE WITH: Fiber (Verizon FiOS, AT&T), DSL, Satellite, or Fixed Wireless. ONLY works with cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox. Verify your internet type BEFORE purchase.
  • 🚫 NO WiFi INCLUDED - ROUTER REQUIRED: This is a modem ONLY. You MUST buy a separate WiFi router to get wireless internet. Without a router, only ONE device can connect via Ethernet cable. This does NOT replace your current WiFi router.
  • 🔌 CABLE INTERNET REQUIRED: Works EXCLUSIVELY with cable internet service (DOCSIS) from providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox. Will NOT work with fiber (Verizon FiOS, AT&T), DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless internet. Contact your ISP to confirm compatibility BEFORE purchasing.
  • 🚀 MULTI-GIG PERFORMANCE: Supports internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. Designed for plans 1 Gbps and faster from certified providers: Xfinity (up to 2.33 Gbps), Spectrum (1 Gbps), Cox (2 Gbps). Verify your plan speed and provider compatibility.
  • 💡 SETUP REQUIREMENTS: You need: (1) Cable internet service, (2) Separate WiFi router with 2.5 Gbps port for full speeds, (3) ISP activation. This modem cannot create WiFi networks or connect multiple devices without additional equipment.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.