ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: The third meeting of the competition consultative group, constituted by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to provide a platform for soliciting suggestions for better promotion of the competition regime in the country, held here on Wednesday.

The group is acting as a think-tank for the CCP’s ongoing activities and its proposed initiatives, an official press release said.

The meeting was attended by eminent representatives of academia, other sector-specific regulators, the legal community, and the private sector.

In her welcome remarks Maleeha Bangash, member Research and Advocacy of the CCP highlighted the aim and objectives of the consultative group.

Ms Maleeha gave a presentation on the supportive role of CCP in promoting businesses.

Ms Unjela Siddiqui, secretary Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) appreciated the interactive session held by CCoP in Karachi and suggested that the CCP should have a session with the OICCI at least once a year.

Tasleemuddin Batlay, the president American Business Council discussed the decisions given by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Sindh High Court in favour of the CCP in Pakistan Banking Association’s case related to cartel-like behaviour of banks and discussed the role of the commission for consumer protection.

Prof Ashraf Janjua, Dean of IBM cited the law of the State Bank of Pakistan and its implications with reference to competition and deceptive marketing practices.

M.H. Asif from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) highlighted the fact that an effective regulator could play a pivotal role in saving the businesses from financial disasters. Saleem Asghar Mian, former chairman Monopoly Control Authority (MCA), spoke about the Hajj package and other price fixing activities by a major airline.

Khalid Pervez Marwat of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) discussed the matter in detail explaining various steps taken by the 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.

Mir Muhammad Ali CEO, UBL fund managers spoke about deceptive marketing practices.

Chairman CCP Khalid Mirza explained the steps taken by the commission and the establishment of the Office of Fair Trade (OFT) to address these issues.

Hussain Babur from National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), Ashfak Jumani from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and Khurram Siddiqi from Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) discussed the competition related issues in their specific sectors.