The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has made a significant breakthrough, recovering over Rs1 billion through enforcement actions targeting cartels and deceptive practices.
In a meeting chaired by MNA Shahida Begum, CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu provided a comprehensive briefing on the regulator’s recent accomplishments.
Dr. Sidhu reported that the CCP had resolved more than 50% of its pending court cases, reducing the backlog from 567 to 280. This marked the highest number of judicial disposals in a single year, with 224 cases decided across various forums.
He noted that since its inception, the CCP had recovered only Rs200 million in penalties, but since August 2023, the commission has secured nearly Rs1 billion in recoveries.
The committee was informed that, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat cartelization, the CCP had issued 14 enforcement orders against cartels, imposing penalties exceeding Rs1 billion. Additionally, the CCP completed 20 inquiries into cartelization and dominance abuse, as well as 18 on deceptive marketing practices.
The CCP’s Market Intelligence Unit (MIU) has identified 200 potential cases of anti-competitive practices, further enhancing the regulator’s enforcement actions.
Dr. Sidhu also highlighted the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Competition Law to foster research, capacity building, and policy development in the field. Moreover, the CCP approved 117 mergers and acquisitions, facilitating Rs29 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI).
The Sub-Committee members commended the CCP’s efforts and expressed full support for its mandate, recognizing the commission’s role in protecting consumers, ensuring transparency, and driving sustainable economic growth.
