ISLAMABAD: Consumers flagged misleading claims, hidden charges and misrepresentation of project approvals before the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) during an open hearing on competition issues in the real estate sector.
The CCP on Thursday held the open hearing to bring consumers, regulators, government bodies and industry representatives together to present their concerns, complaints and responses before the Commission.
The hearing provided consumers and investors an opportunity to share their experiences directly, while developers, builders, real estate professionals, industry associations and representatives of federal and provincial regulatory bodies presented their perspectives. Deceptive marketing, misleading claims, hidden charges and misrepresentation of project approvals emerged as key concerns.
The Commission’s bench, comprising CCP Chairman Farid Ahmad Tarar and Member Bushra Naz Malik, conducted the hearing under Section 29(c) of the Competition Act, 2010.
Senior officials from NAB, CDA, RDA, FGEHA, the Ministry of Housing and Works, SECP, PPRA, PTA, IPO Pakistan, the Punjab Land Records Authority, ICT Administration and the Office of the District Magistrate participated in the proceedings. Representatives of major housing societies, real estate businesses and consumers were also in attendance.
Opening the proceedings, Chairman Farid Ahmad Tarar said the purpose of the hearing was to listen to all sides before the Commission formed its view on competition concerns affecting the sector.
“Real estate represents a major financial commitment for ordinary citizens. When investment decisions are influenced by false claims, misleading advertisements, undisclosed charges or inaccurate representations about approvals and project features, the consequences for consumers can be significant,” he said.
He said the open hearing was intended to identify recurring concerns, hear competing perspectives and assess issues that may require broader regulatory, policy or advocacy responses.
Consumers shared experiences relating to alleged deceptive practices by developers, housing societies and real estate businesses, while industry representatives presented their positions and expressed their commitment to complying with applicable laws, including the Competition Act.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026