Anti-trust regulator sets up online complaint cell
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), in order to facilitate individual consumers and undertakings, has established an online complaint cell of the Office of Fair Trade (OFT) for lodging complaints about deceptive marketing practices.
CCP Chairperson Rahat Kaunain Hassan, who also heads the OFT, has taken this initiative to facilitate the submission of complaints, a press release said on Saturday.
A direct telephone line has been dedicated for all calls coming to the complaint cell to ensure easy access to advice seekers. Individual consumers as well as companies can file complaints for violation of Section 10 of the Competition Ordinance ie deceptive marketing practices.
The Office of Fair Trade (OFT) was established at the CCP in 2008 in order to deal exclusively with deceptive marketing practices that are prohibited under the law. The OFT is empowered to take suo moto notice of any deceptive marketing practices or initiate inquiries upon receiving complaints. It has conducted inquiries in respect of a number of matters relating to deceptive marketing practices which have resulted in the passing of orders by the CCP.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2010.