CCP shines against all odds

In a country where poor governance and absence of sound regulatory bodies are commonplace, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) emerges as a prominent ray of hope.
The regulatory body was recently nominated for the Global Competition Review (GCR)s - a London-based antitrust and competition law journal and news service - annual awards 2012 in the Agency of the Year - Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa category.
The nomination has not only rendered the CCP the first regulatory body of Pakistan to be nominated for the category, but also the first from South Asia to be nominated for the award.
And a well-deserved nomination it is, indeed. The CCP has to its credit over 100 orders issued to various companies and institutions against deemed violation of competition laws, including universities, sugar mills, cotton mills, multinational companies and telcos.
At the same time, the CCP also issues policy advice for regulators and government bodies, highlighting issues pertaining to competition in the economy. Such policy notes have included advice for various bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Civil Aviation Authority, cigarette industry, and sugar industry.
Besides these, the CCP has also addressed legit complaints against companies and industries for possible cartelisation (cement industry, cooking oil industry), misleading marketing messages (FMCG companies), as well as bid-rigging in tenders invited by companies.
Rahat Kaunain Hassan, acting chairperson of the CCP gives full credit to her team and to a stark focus towards work, adding, "The Ministry of Finance has also been very supportive towards us."
The fact that the CCP has been able to accomplish all this despite a paucity of resources is what makes it an even notable precedent for other regulators.
Rahat Kaunain claims that greater financial autonomy has become a significant challenge for the regulatory body, as nearly three percent of fee and charges are yet to be received by the CCP.
And another arena where the CCP needs support is the implementation of orders in more than 150 cases, still waiting decisions by courts. "We are doing our part thoroughly. However, if penalties imposed are upheld, the impact of our work will be more visible," she clarified.
In a previous interview with BR Research, the chairperson had highlighted the need for regulatory bodies to point out cases considered most urgent and significant for the overall economy and for courts to proactively help in taking these cases to a conclusion on priority basis.
All in all, the organisation has indeed brought a well-deserved accolade to the country and offered an example of how things can be done the right way, even in government organisations.