The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) intensified its enforcement actions in 2025, penalising dozens of firms across multiple sectors for engaging in anti-competitive practices such as cartelisation, price fixing and abuse of market dominance. The crackdown reflects the regulator’s effort to curb market manipulation and protect consumer interests amid rising inflationary pressures. During the year, the CCP imposed fines and issued show-cause notices to companies operating in sectors including sugar, steel, poultry, fertiliser, education, transport, advertising, power supply and manufacturing. In the sugar industry, several mills in Punjab were penalised for allegedly colluding to delay the crushing season and fixing sugarcane procurement prices, actions deemed harmful to both farmers and consumers.

The steel sector saw some of the heaviest penalties, with major producers fined for coordinated pricing and sharing sensitive market information. The CCP concluded that such practices contributed to sustained increases in steel prices and distorted fair competition in the construction and infrastructure markets.

In the poultry industry, hatcheries were penalised for fixing prices of day-old broiler chicks, a practice that authorities said directly affected poultry prices nationwide. Similar action was taken against fertiliser manufacturers and an industry association for coordinated conduct that restricted competition and influenced urea prices. The education sector also came under scrutiny, with the CCP issuing notices to large private school networks accused of abusing their dominant position by forcing parents to purchase uniforms and stationery from designated suppliers at inflated prices.

As part of its enforcement drive, the CCP conducted raids and inspections in multiple cities to gather evidence of cartelisation, bid rigging and price manipulation, particularly in advertising and power supply markets. Several of the commission’s rulings were later upheld by the Competition Appellate Tribunal, strengthening the regulator’s legal standing. Officials said the actions taken in 2025 demonstrate the CCP’s resolve to enforce competition laws, deter collusive behaviour and promote transparent market practices. The commission has vowed to continue strict monitoring to ensure fair competition and safeguard consumer welfare across Pakistan’s economy.