ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), as part of its partnership with the Directorate of Legal Education (DLE), held an interactive session at the School of Law, Quaid-e-Azam University. This initiative, part of CCP’s ongoing commitment to fostering legal knowledge and advocacy, brought together students and professionals to discuss key aspects of competition law.

According to Competition Commission of Pakistan, Ms. Bushra Naz Malik, a member of CCP, emphasized the Commission’s core principles of transparency, integrity, and independence, encouraging law students to embody these values in their future careers. She highlighted the significant role of Competition Law in fostering economic growth, noting that a fair and competitive market can significantly contribute to Pakistan’s GDP and overall economic health.

Mr. Usama Malik, Director of the Directorate of Legal Education, underlined the importance of the session as a valuable learning opportunity for students. He pointed out the critical role of Competition Law in promoting fair market practices, which are essential for maintaining a balanced and equitable economic environment.

Mr. Hasan Raza Pasha, Member Executive of the Pakistan Bar Council, discussed the burden that market manipulation, particularly by cartels and intermediaries, places on consumers. He stressed the importance of regulatory bodies like the CCP in preventing unfair practices that undermine economic equity and encouraged students to explore niche areas within corporate laws, highlighting the various career paths available for legal practitioners.

Dr. Hafiz Aziz ur Rehman, Director of the School of Law, Quaid-e-Azam University, expressed his appreciation for the session, calling it an essential foundation for students’ understanding of market dynamics. He suggested the need for future tailored sessions to deepen students’ knowledge.

The session also included presentations on an overview of the legal framework, key components, and enforcement mechanisms of Competition Law in Pakistan. Mr. Ahmed Qadir, Director General, and Ms. Ayesha Nayab, Deputy Director, shared real-life case studies to illustrate the practical enforcement of competition law. Students showed a keen interest and raised pertinent questions throughout the session.

The Directorate of Legal Education, established by the Pakistan Bar Council in accordance with a Supreme Court directive, is mandated to enhance the quality of legal education nationwide.