ISLAMABAD, 3 FEBRUARY, 2016: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has taken notice of the substantial increase in air fares by the private airlines following the disruption of Pakistan International Airline (PIA)'s flight operations due to a strike by its employees.

CCP is mandated by the Competition Act, 2010 to check anticompetitive practices by businesses. Such practices include excessive increase in prices by businesses having market power and collective fixation of prices or collusion by competing businesses.

CCP is cognizant of media reports regarding a sharp rise in private airline fares following the disruption of PIA's flight operations due to a strike by its employees. CCP is probing the matter under the law and strict action will be taken against any undertaking indulging in anti-competitive practices.