CCP launches inquiry into deceptive marketing in real estate sector

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has initiated an inquiry into deceptive marketing practices in the real estate sector.

The move follows data from CCP’s Market Intelligence Unit and the Office of Fair Trade, which indicated widespread misrepresentation by housing societies and developers.

The inquiry will focus on projects claiming to be within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) or registered with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) while actually located outside the jurisdiction.

CCP has invited consumers, investors, and overseas Pakistanis to submit evidence, documents, or promotional material supporting the investigation through its Online Complaint Portal at www.cc.gov.pk.

Preliminary findings suggest developers may have misrepresented project locations, regulatory approvals, amenities, endorsements, and expected investment returns.

Violations under Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010 may lead to penalties of up to Rs75 million or 10% of annual turnover, in addition to legal measures to protect public interest.