On October 12, 2010, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) wrote to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), probing as to why CAA was levying a 20 rupee entry fee upon select individuals entering Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad. Upon investigation, CCP discovered that the entry fee is levied on all persons entering the airport except for ticketed passengers and their drivers. Certain government officials and children also appear to be exempted from paying the fee. However, CAA’s new policy has not been publicized, nor is it clearly implemented. Concerned that such conduct may amount to abuse of dominant position in violation of the Competition Act, 2010, CCP wrote a letter seeking information and clarification regarding this recently observed policy, to determine among other things whether the CAA is providing an additional service or facility in lieu of the fee, whether the CAA is charging a similar fee at other airports, and who exactly is exempted from paying the fee. Importantly, CCP inquired about the primary objective of imposing the fee, and whether CAA has achieved that objective. CCP requested that CAA respond to its query by October 18, 2010. To date, however, no response from CAA has been forthcoming. CCP has sent a reminder, urging CAA to reply to its query.
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