CCP Extends Deadline in Private Schools Competition Probe

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has extended the deadline to December 30, 2025 for major private school chains to respond to show-cause notices over alleged anti-competitive tactics, officials confirmed on Sunday. CCP bowed to requests from school networks, granting extra time for due process after accusations of abusing dominance by forcing parents to buy branded uniforms, stationery, and supplies only from designated vendors. Notices hit heavyweights like Beaconhouse, City School, LGS, Headstart, Froebel’s, Roots, KIPS, Allied, Super Nova, Dar-e-Arqam, and more — sparked by parent outrage over skyrocketing costs and monopoly purchasing. CCP launched a sector-wide probe, now heading to hearings post-replies. Officials vow transparent, lawful proceedings in this public-interest battlefield touching millions of households.