PTCL Group, comprising PTCL and Ufone 4G, has strengthened its role in the global digital transformation landscape by signing a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSMA during GITEX Global 2025. The collaboration expands beyond traditional telecom boundaries, aiming to enhance innovation across multiple industries through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. This program allows enterprises to securely connect their digital services with mobile networks using standardized Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs), making it easier for businesses to deploy new technologies and scale innovation efficiently.
As part of this initiative, PTCL Group has achieved a significant milestone by developing and certifying two new APIs—‘Send OTP’ and ‘Validate OTP’—based on the CAMARA standard 1.0.0. This framework is built on Client Initiated Backend Authentication (CIBA), offering a secure and globally recognized mechanism for authentication. Through this certification, PTCL Group joins an international community of technology leaders committed to creating standardized and interoperable APIs that simplify digital integration while maintaining strong security measures. The introduction of these APIs will allow telecom operators and enterprises to streamline user authentication processes, reduce the risk of fraud, and ensure a more seamless customer experience across digital platforms.
According to Jafar Khalid, Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, PTCL and Ufone 4G, the achievement reflects the company’s focus on modernization and standardization within its technology ecosystem. He noted that adopting the CAMARA framework enhances operational agility, shortens time-to-market, and supports improved service quality across the organization. Khalid emphasized that this foundation will help PTCL Group strengthen collaboration with developers, hyperscalers, startups, and enterprises to co-create new business models, monetize network capabilities, and accelerate sustainable digital growth in Pakistan. The initiative represents a step toward greater integration of global standards within the local telecom landscape, aligning Pakistan’s digital infrastructure with evolving international benchmarks.
Jawad Abbassi, Head of MENA at GSMA, welcomed PTCL Group’s inclusion in the Open Gateway initiative, highlighting its importance for regional digital advancement. He remarked that by enabling access to network capabilities through standardized APIs, PTCL Group is helping to drive innovation, interoperability, and large-scale deployment of next-generation services. Abbassi added that the collaboration plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of 5G, IoT, and other emerging technologies, ultimately empowering enterprises to deliver more efficient and scalable digital services.
The partnership between PTCL Group and GSMA underlines the growing importance of collaboration between global and regional players in building a connected, secure, and agile digital future. By aligning with the CAMARA standard, PTCL Group continues to reinforce its position as a key contributor to Pakistan’s digital economy, supporting industries and enterprises in adopting secure, standardized, and globally compatible network solutions. Through this initiative, PTCL Group not only enhances its own innovation capabilities but also strengthens Pakistan’s presence in the evolving global telecom and API ecosystem.
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