Backlog of Competition Commission cases reduced by 40 percent across courts

ISLAMABAD: The backlog of cases involving the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has dropped by 40 per cent across various courts, according to official data.

The number of pending cases in different courts has decreased significantly, falling from 567 to 223 due to expedited hearings and decisions. As a result of these case outcomes, the commission has recovered Rs360 million in fines.

In the Appellate Tribunal alone, the backlog was cut by 58 per cent. The tribunal decided 121 cases during the review period, bringing the number of pending cases down to just 89.

The Lahore High Court disposed of 39 cases, reducing its backlog by 78 per cent. The Sindh High Court decided 40 cases, leading to a 61 per cent drop in its pending caseload. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court concluded 13 cases, trimming its backlog by 43 per cent.

The Supreme Court also played a significant role, concluding 11 important cases. It consolidated 171 petitions related to the jurisdiction of the Competition Commission, providing much-needed clarity on the matter.

In a key judgment, the apex court ruled that the CCP is authorised to seek information from any company for investigative purposes. It further noted that the commission does not need to provide justification when requesting such information.

Separately, the Lahore High Court ruled that CCP proceedings cannot be challenged in courts before they are completed.

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