ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), Farid Ahmad Tarar, has said that greater awareness of competition law and a clear understanding of institutional responsibilities are essential for creating a transparent, competitive and investment-friendly business environment in Pakistan. Addressing an awareness programme organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday, he said the interactive session provided an important opportunity to explain the …
Competition law awareness essential for sustainable economic growth: Farid Ahmad Tarar
ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), Farid Ahmad Tarar, has said that greater awareness of competition law and a clear understanding of institutional responsibilities are essential for creating a transparent, competitive and investment-friendly business environment in Pakistan.
Addressing an awareness programme organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday, he said the interactive session provided an important opportunity to explain the Commission’s legal mandate, operational framework and enforcement mechanism, while candidly discussing the practical challenges the CCP faces in promoting fair competition.
He noted that the lively participation of the business community reflected its growing interest in understanding competition law and regulatory compliance.
He clarified that the CCP’s mandate is often misunderstood. He emphasized that while the Commission is responsible for preventing anti-competitive practices, deceptive marketing, cartelization and abuse of dominant position, it is not empowered to issue licenses to housing societies, recover investors’ money, investigate criminal offenses or perform functions assigned to other regulatory and enforcement institutions.
He stressed that the Commission’s role is to promote competition and protect consumers by ensuring truthful market practices.
The Chairman said the CCP’s enforcement actions are designed to deter anti-competitive behavior and create a level playing field for businesses.
He noted that interventions in sectors such as sugar, cement and consumer advertising have contributed to discouraging collusive practices, improving market discipline and enhancing consumer protection.
He added that the Commission is also preparing to respond to emerging challenges posed by digital markets, e-commerce and evolving business models to ensure Pakistan’s competition regime remains aligned with international best practices.
Welcoming the participants, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said the Chamber considers its partnership with the Competition Commission of Pakistan a strategic investment in Pakistan’s economic future. He observed that a fair and competitive marketplace encourages innovation, attracts investment and strengthens consumer confidence, all of which are essential for sustainable economic growth.
He said ICCI is committed to promoting awareness of competition law, strengthening institutional collaboration and facilitating continuous dialogue between regulators and the private sector so that compliance is viewed not merely as a legal obligation but as a catalyst for competitiveness, transparency and business growth.
He assured the CCP of the Chamber’s continued support in organizing awareness and capacity-building initiatives for the business community.
Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq, Salman Zafar, Ms. Marryum Pervaiz and Ms. Maliha Quddus delivered detailed presentations highlighting the objectives, legal framework, enforcement mechanism and functioning of the Competition Commission of Pakistan.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub conducted the session and highlighted the Commission’s milestones and contributions towards promoting a competitive business environment in the country.
