Publication details

• Tuesday | 01 Oct, 2002
• Mahvash Saeed Qureshi
• Working Papers
• 21

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Mahvash Saeed Qureshi 2002 Abstract Evidence suggests that undue industrial concentration and unreasonable monopoly power have remained a major problem in the history of growth of Pakistan’s corporate sector.  Cement, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, sugar and vegetable ghee are some of the sectors where restrictive trade practices have been witnessed quite frequently.  Though, a competition legislation and authority were established as early as 1970, enforcement of the ordinance in most cases has remained a myth.  The law is outdated and needs amendments in light of the changing global and national conditions.  This paper attempts to review two cases of anti-competitive behaviour, cartelisation in the cement sector and merger activity in the pharmaceutical sector, witnessed in Pakistan.  The relevant provisions of the law and their enforcement in each case are also discussed.  The analysis reveals that the competition authority is a weak body lacking power and resources to take appropriate actions and implement its orders.