CCP, NAB sign MoU to curb anti-competitive practices

May 14, 2025 (MLN): The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in addressing bid rigging, collusive tendering, and other anti-competitive practices in public procurement.

The MoU was signed during a formal ceremony held at the CCP Head Office. Ms. Marryum Pervaiz, Secretary to the Commission, and Mr. Muhammad Tahir, Director General Operations NAB, signed the agreement.

The signing was witnessed by CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and NAB Chairman Lieutenant General (Retd.) Nazir Ahmed Butt, along with senior representatives from both institutions.

The agreement provides a framework for joint initiatives in information exchange, investigations, and technical cooperation, according to the press release issued today.

It also includes collaboration in capacity-building efforts, access to data, identifying risk indicators, and improving enforcement methods.

Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu emphasized that the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2023–24 amounted to Rs1.1 trillion, while the provincial Annual Development Plans reached approximately Rs1.56tr.

Despite the introduction of PPRA’s e-procurement system (EPADS), he pointed out the absence of a robust mechanism to guarantee transparency in public bidding, highlighting the importance of continuous oversight of collusive behaviors.

He further stated that CCP has created advanced software capable of analyzing large datasets to uncover patterns of bid rigging and collusion.

Dr. Sidhu explained that while accountability laws require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the Competition Act is based on a civil standard of proof.

He emphasized that cooperation between agencies can strengthen deterrence and lead to more effective enforcement.

NAB Chairman Lieutenant General (Retd.) Nazir Ahmed Butt praised Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu for spearheading institutional cooperation.

He underlined that corruption and collusion in public procurement severely impact national resources and must be addressed with urgency.

He added that NAB stands to gain from CCP’s data analysis capabilities to uncover cartelization, describing such acts as "mega crimes" against the economy.

He reiterated the joint responsibility of both organizations in fighting collusion and corruption and expressed optimism that the MoU will improve enforcement outcomes.

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