The Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar stressed that a robust competition framework is vital for
economic growth, fostering innovation, and attracting both domestic and foreign
investment. In a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Dr. Kabir Sidhu, Chairman of
the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), briefed him on initiatives
undertaken to enhance the effectiveness of the Commission in enforcing
competition laws. These efforts focus on identifying cartels, market abuse and
manipulation and the abuse of dominant position. Mr. Ishaq Dar commended CCP’s proactive approach in resolving long outstanding
casesin the courts. Dar called on the Commission to intensify efforts against cartels
and price manipulation, which harm consumers and distort markets. He assured
CCP of the government's continued support in ensuring transparency and fairness. Dr. Sidhu apprised the Deputy Prime Minister of the establishment of a Market
Intelligence Unit, designed to monitor market trends and swiftly identify anticompetitive behaviours such as price manipulation, cartel formation, and other
unfair practices. Since its inception last year, the unit has identified over 150 cases
using advanced data analysis and media monitoring tools. Additionally, the Commission has strengthened its litigation departments, ensuring
more effective follow-up on court cases. This proactive approach has led to the
resolution of 69 cases in the past 12 months, recovering penalties worth PKR 100
million. The CCP is also in the process of establishing a Centre of Excellence to promote
research and scholarship and improve collaboration with both domestic and
international academics.
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