The federal government has reappointed Rahat Kaunain Hassan, Abdul Ghaffar and Dr Joseph Wilson as Members of the Competition Commission of Pakistan and appointed Mueen Batlay as a new Member of the Commission. According to a notification issued by the Finance Division, Rahat Kaunain Hassan has also been appointed Chairperson of the Commission as notified on July 26, 2010. Section 17 specifies a term of three years for the office of the Chairman and Members of the CCP.
The Members have been reappointed with effect from the date of expiry of their first terms. With these appointments, the Competition Commission of Pakistan now comprises of five Members including the Chairperson. Vadiyya Khalil is already serving as Member of the CCP. She has over 18 years of experience in corporate and commercial banking at national and international banks.
It is important to mention that Rahat Kaunain Hassan has shown her commitment to continue with the enforcement policy to preserve the credibility of the institution. The Members of the CCP included Abdul Ghaffar, Member Cartels, Monopolies and Trading Abuses, Dr Joseph Wilson, Member Policy, Planning, Research, Exemptions and International Affairs and Vadiyya Khalil, Member Mergers and Acquisitions, Advocacy and Communications.
With the addition of Mueen Batlay as new Member, the CCP team has been further strengthened for smooth working of the commission. The role of Competition Commission of Pakistan continue to be an umpire or referee for ensuring competition in all sectors of economy so as to achieving desired results of benefit to entire supply chain including the end consumers.
The authorities would ensure to provide and promote free competition, to enhance economic efficiency and to protect consumers from anti-competitive practices. Therefore, enforcement of law - without fear and favour remains CCP's top priority, sources said. Along with enforcement the CCP is focusing on knowledge-based advocacy to outreach for the purposes of creating awareness and for taking the stakeholders on board. Also, working towards improving the legal framework is one of the priorities along with capacity building of the employees.