CCP Fights Legal Barriers as Pakistan Pushes for Stronger Market Regulations

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has voiced concerns over the legal challenges hindering the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), noting that despite the commission’s decisive actions against various industries, court-imposed stay orders have obstructed the resolution of key cases.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the CCP’s new headquarters in Islamabad’s Mauve Area, Dar urged regulatory bodies to collaborate in boosting economic growth.

Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic future, he stated that if reforms continue at their current momentum, the country could potentially secure G20 membership by 2030. He recalled that in 2018, Pakistan stood as the 24th largest economy globally and was on the verge of joining the G20. Dar emphasized the importance of leveraging natural resources, asserting that as a nuclear power, Pakistan holds the potential for sustained development.

The ceremony saw the presence of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, State Minister for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other senior officials. Aurangzeb highlighted macroeconomic stability and ongoing structural reforms, while Malik underscored the CCP’s pivotal role in ensuring market fairness and efficiency.

CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu detailed the commission’s latest initiatives, including the revamp of its legal department to effectively contest cases in court.

He also unveiled a Market Intelligence Unit tasked with detecting cartelization and anti-competitive practices.

Since its formation, the CCP has actively tackled collusion, monopolistic abuse, and deceptive marketing. In 2024, the commission imposed Rs275 million in fines, recovered Rs100 million, resolved 73 court cases, and issued 32 show-cause notices across industries such as fertilizers, real estate, education, public procurement, and pharmaceuticals.