Islamabad (Staff Reporter)
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted private school companies additional time to submit their replies to show-cause notices, extending the deadline until December 30, 2025. The extension was approved following requests from several school systems seeking more time to file their responses.
According to the CCP, the purpose of granting additional time is to ensure a fair, transparent, and comprehensive hearing process for all parties involved. The commission noted that some school systems have already submitted their written replies.
Once all responses are received, the Competition Commission will schedule formal hearings, during which the concerned schools or their authorized legal representatives will be given the opportunity to present their stance in accordance with the law.
The show-cause notices were issued under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, relating to the alleged abuse of dominant position. The allegations include forcing parents to purchase branded school uniforms, stationery, and other educational materials exclusively from designated vendors.
School systems that have been issued show-cause notices include Beaconhouse School System, The City School, Headstart, Lahore Grammar School (LGS), Froebels, Roots International, Roots Millennium, KIPS, Allied Schools, Super Nova, Dar-e-Arqam, STEP School, Westminster International, United Charter School, The Smart School, and others.
Chairman of the Competition Commission, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, stated that education is a sector of significant public interest that directly affects millions of households. He emphasized that the commission remains committed to promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring that proceedings are conducted in a transparent, impartial, and lawful manner.