CCP engages youth at Pakistan Data Fest 2025 to promote fair competition

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) participated in the Pakistan Data Fest 2025, organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad. The two-day event, inaugurated by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal, brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, academia, the private sector, and students to discuss the importance of data and evidence-based policymaking in shaping Pakistan’s development agenda.

The CCP set up an interactive awareness stall aimed at educating the public, particularly the youth, about the importance of competition in markets and its direct impact on consumer welfare and economic growth. Through engaging visuals, the CCP presented statistics and infographics derived from its market studies, demonstrating how competitive markets foster innovation, reduce prices, and expand consumer choice.

At the stall, CCP officials provided information on the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits anti-competitive practices such as cartels, abuse of dominance, and misleading marketing tactics. The team also highlighted the Commission’s ongoing efforts in enforcement and advocacy, including actions against major cartels in sectors like fertilizer, poultry, telecom, and real estate.

A large number of participants, including students, researchers, and professionals, visited the stall, interacted with CCP representatives, and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s role in ensuring fair business practices in Pakistan. The CCP team also encouraged students to explore careers and research opportunities in competition economics and law.

Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of CCP, emphasized, “Healthy competition is the foundation of a strong and inclusive economy. By engaging with youth at events like Pakistan Data Fest, CCP aims to raise awareness about how competition fosters innovation, benefits consumers, and ensures fairness in markets. The youth are the future custodians of Pakistan’s economic growth.”