CCP recovers Rs1bn in crackdown on cartels, deceptive practices

September 08, 2025 (MLN): The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has achieved a historic milestone by recovering over Rs1 billion through enforcement actions against cartels and deceptive practices.

The committee, chaired by MNA Shahida Begum and attended by others, received a detailed briefing from CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu on the regulator’s recent achievements.

Dr. Sidhu informed the committee that the CCP had resolved more than 50% of its pending court cases, reducing the backlog from 567 to 280.

He noted that this was the highest number of judicial disposals in a single year, with 224 cases decided across different forums.

He stated that the Commission since its inception has recovered penalties of worth Rs200 million only. However, since August 2023, the CCP has recovered approximately 1bn rupees in recoveries.

It was also informed that the Commission as part of its efforts to curb cartelization, has issued 14 enforcement orders against cartels, imposing penalties of over Rs1bn, while completing 20 inquiries on cartelization and dominance abuse and 18 on deceptive marketing.

The Market Intelligence Unit identified 200 potential cases of anti-competitive practices, further strengthening CCP’s enforcement.

He further informed the committee that the Commission has recently established a dedicated Market Intelligence Unit (MIU), which has already detected more than 190 potential cases of anti-competitive practices.

In addition, the Commission has set up a Centre of Excellence on Competition Law to promote research, capacity building, and policy development in this field. In addition, the Commission approved 117 mergers and acquisitions, bringing in Rs29bn in foreign direct investment (FDI).

The Sub-Committee appreciated the CCP’s performance and assured full support for its mandate, terming its efforts vital for consumer protection, transparency, and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.

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