The Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) School of Law, in collaboration with the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Directorate of Legal Education, Pakistan Bar Council, successfully organized an orientation workshop on competition law today. The event aimed to raise awareness and understanding of competition law and its critical role in Pakistan’s economic and legal landscape.

The workshop featured prominent speakers, including Mr. Hasan Raza Pasha, Member Executive Pakistan Bar Council, Barrister Usama Malik, Director of the Directorate of Legal Education, and Ms. Bushra Naz Malik, Member of the Competition Commission of Pakistan. Each speaker emphasized the significance of competition law in promoting fair market practices and appreciated the efforts of the QAU School of Law in fostering education and awareness in this field.

Barrister Usama Malik, Director of the Directorate of Legal Education, highlighted the importance of equipping young legal minds with a solid understanding of competition law, noting that such knowledge is essential for advancing a fair legal framework and empowering future practitioners in Pakistan.

A comprehensive presentation on Pakistan’s competition law regime was delivered by Mr. Ahmad Qadir, Director General of the Market Intelligence Unit at CCP. He provided an in-depth overview of the framework governing competition law, presenting a case study on the abuse of dominant market positions, highlighting how such practices undermine fair competition and affect consumers.

Ms. Ayesha Nayab, Deputy Director (Media) at CCP, addressed deceptive market practices, using a case study to illustrate how the CCP and higher courts have responded to such issues. Her insights underscored the importance of vigilance and enforcement in maintaining a competitive market environment.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Shehzad Hussain, Registrar at CCP, discussed the integral role of competition law in Pakistan’s regulatory landscape. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among sectoral regulators to ensure a cohesive approach toward fair market regulation.

Prof. Dr. Aziz ur Rehman, Director of the QAU School of Law, extended a warm welcome to the participants and expressed appreciation for the outreach efforts by the CCP and the Directorate of Legal Education. “The QAU School of Law remains committed to supporting educational and research initiatives on competition law,” Dr. Rehman said, reaffirming the university’s dedication to advancing legal education for students of law and faculty alike.

The workshop marked a significant step forward in fostering a culture of awareness and understanding of competition law among students of law and faculty, strengthening the foundation for fair and competitive markets in Pakistan.