Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) Chairman Farid Ahmad Tarar has urged businesses to strengthen compliance with competition laws, saying a fair and competitive marketplace is critical for sustainable economic growth and investment.

Addressing an awareness session organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday, Tarar said competition encourages innovation, improves consumer welfare, and creates a healthier business environment. He stressed that businesses should understand and comply with competition laws to help prevent anti-competitive practices.

The chairman said regulatory action alone cannot ensure competitive markets, emphasizing that awareness and engagement with businesses are equally important. He added that the CCP is expanding its outreach through chambers of commerce, trade bodies, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to promote voluntary compliance.

Tarar said the commission’s enforcement measures are designed to discourage anti-competitive behavior and maintain a level playing field across industries. He noted that CCP interventions in sectors including sugar, cement, and consumer goods have helped improve market discipline and protect consumers.

Looking ahead, he said the commission is strengthening its capacity to address emerging competition issues in digital markets and e-commerce as Pakistan’s digital economy continues to expand.

ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said competitive markets are essential for attracting investment, encouraging innovation, and boosting consumer confidence. He reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to working with the CCP to increase awareness of competition laws and improve cooperation between regulators and the business community.

The event also featured presentations by senior CCP officials on the Competition Act, the commission’s mandate, enforcement process, and complaint mechanism, followed by a question-and-answer session with business representatives.