QUETTA, 19 JANUARY 2016: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) today held a seminar at the Quetta Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) as part of the National Road Show on Competition Law.

The seminar was attended by Vadiyya Khalil, Chairperson CCP, CCP Members Shahzad Ansar, Ikram Ul Haque Qureshi, CCP Directors Asfandyar Khattak, Ikram Ul Haque, Noman Laiq, Umair Javed, QCCI Vice President Samiullah Baloch, members of the executive committee and the business community in large number.

In her address at the seminar, the CCP Chairperson laid stress on the voluntary compliance of the Competition Law by businesses saying that the law protects businesses from anti-competitive practices. She asked the Quetta Chamber to appoint a focal person for regular liaison with CCP regarding competition issues and compliance.

“We want the businesses to know 'the power' that they have under this law and that is why we are here today,” she said while quoting from a speech of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in which the Quaid wanted Pakistan to become a synonym and hallmark for standard and quality in the market places of the world.

She informed the participants that the aim of this Road Show is to create awareness of the Competition Law to SMEs, big corporations, MNCs, alike by visiting chambers and trade associations in 22 cities across all 4 provinces of Pakistan. “We have completed our tour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most Punjab and Sindh and now we are here in Quetta to create awareness of our law,” she said.

QCCI Vice President Samiullah Baloch in his welcome speech said that the knowledge of Competition Law will help businessmen comply with the Competition Law and protect their interests against the anti-competitive practices. He said this interaction will help businessmen share their problems with the CCP.

The participants of the seminar were briefed on the importance of Competition Law enforcement for creating a level playing field for businesses, the salient features of the law, and the benefits drawn by the consumers after getting protected from anti-competitive practices.

Ikram Ul Haque Qureshi, Member CCP, in his presentation explained the substantive provisions of the Competition Act, 2010 and briefed the participants on the do’s and don’ts under the Competition Law. He said the Competition Law creates a level playing field for all businesses by removing entry barriers and discouraging discriminatory policies. He urged the business community to approach the CCP to assist CCP in identifying competition issues.

Shahzad Ansar in his presentation on explained the role of the Office of Fair Trading in dealing with deceptive marketing practices. He shared the contact details of CCP to facilitate businessmen to file complaints with CCP regarding deceptive marketing practices.

In the interactive session, the participants highlighted various competition issues and urged CCP to play its role for their resolution.