Competition law: CCP intensifying efforts to raise awareness: chairman

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), Farid Ahmad Tarar, has said the Commission is intensifying efforts to raise awareness of competition law among businesses as part of a broader strategy to promote voluntary compliance, strengthen competition and foster an investment-friendly business environment.

Speaking at an awareness session organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tarar said a better understanding of competition law is essential for building transparent and competitive markets.

“Effective competition is fundamental to economic growth, innovation and consumer welfare,” he said, adding that competition advocacy has become a key pillar of the Commission’s regulatory strategy by helping businesses understand their legal obligations before enforcement action becomes necessary.

“Our role is to promote competition and protect consumers by ensuring fair and transparent market practices,” he said.

Tarar said the Commission’s enforcement actions are intended to deter anti-competitive conduct while creating a level playing field for businesses. He noted that interventions in sectors such as sugar, cement and consumer goods have helped discourage collusive practices, improve market discipline and strengthen consumer protection.

Highlighting the Commission’s future priorities, he said the CCP is preparing to address emerging competition issues in digital markets, e-commerce and evolving business models to ensure Pakistan’s competition regime remains aligned with international best practices.

ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said competitive markets encourage innovation, attract investment and strengthen consumer confidence, describing the Chamber’s collaboration with the CCP as an important contribution to Pakistan’s economic development. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to promoting awareness of competition law and strengthening engagement between regulators and the private sector.

Earlier, senior CCP officials briefed participants on the Competition Act, the Commission’s enforcement framework and complaint mechanisms. The session concluded with an interactive discussion on regulatory compliance, consumer protection and the future direction of Pakistan’s competition regime.

Among those present were ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, who moderated the session, Vice President Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, former President Basir Dawood, Executive Members Zulqurnain Abbasi and Waseem Chaudhry, former Senior Vice Presidents Naveed Malik and Khalid Chaudhry, former Vice Presidents Ashfaq Ahmad Chattah and Akhunzada Faheem, along with a large number of business leaders and Chamber members.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026