ISLAMABAD: The Competition Consultative Group (CCG) on Wednesday held its meeting in order to provide a platform for promoting competition in their respective fields.

The third meeting of CCG took place as it has been set up by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to provide a platform for seeking advice, soliciting suggestions for better promotion of the competition regime in Pakistan, and acting as a think-tank for the CCP’s ongoing activities and proposed initiatives.

OICCI Secretary Unjela Siddiqi, appreciated the interactive session held by CCP in Karachi and suggested that it should have such a session at least once a year with OICCI. American Business Council President Tasleemuddin Batlay discussed the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Sindh High Court’s decision in favour of the commission in Pakistan Banking Association’s case and discussed the role of the commission for consumer protection.

IBM Dean Ashraf Janjua, intervened by giving examples of State Bank of Pakistan’s law and its implications with reference to competition and marketing practices. M H Asif from OGRA highlighted the fact that an effective regulator can play a pivotal role in saving the businesses from financial disasters. MCA Former Chairman Saleem Asghar Mian, spoke of Hajj package and other price fixing activities of a major airline. Civil Aviation Authority’s Khalid Pervez Marwat discussed in detail explaining steps taken by CAA to improve competition in the airline industry, including the instructions to Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) not to charge compulsory insurance to the consumers.

UBL Fund Managers CEO Mir Muhammad Ali, spoke about deceptive marketing practices and CCP Chairman Khalid A Mirza explained the steps taken by CCP and the establishment of Office of Fair Trade (OFT)-CCP to address these issues. Hussain Babur from NEPRA, Ashfak Jumani from PEMRA and Khurram Siddiqi from PTA also contributed positively in the meeting and discussed the competition related issues in their specific sectors. Batlay complimented CCP for being highly professional and dealing with all matters efficiently. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from Khalid Mirza.