CCP Summons PSMA and Sugar Mills for Rehearing on Alleged Cartelization
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued fresh notices to the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and its member sugar mills to appear for a rehearing regarding alleged cartelization and anti-competitive practices.
The hearings are scheduled to take place on August 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2025, and relate to the show cause notices originally issued in November 2020.
⚖️ Rehearing Ordered by Competition Appellate Tribunal
This development follows a directive from the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) dated May 21, 2025, which ordered the matter to be reheard by a Chairperson or Member not involved in previous conflicting opinions. The Tribunal emphasized that the matter should preferably be concluded within 90 days.
In a prior ruling in 2021, CCP had imposed penalties of nearly Rs. 44 billion on the PSMA and member mills for alleged violations of competition laws. However, the decision was later challenged.
🧾 Tribunal Raised Legal Concerns Over Previous Ruling
The CAT set aside the earlier order due to procedural issues, specifically the use of a casting vote by the then CCP Chairperson to resolve a 2-2 deadlock. The Tribunal held that such a vote was not permissible in quasi-judicial proceedings under the Competition Act, 2010.
📌 CCP Issues Fresh Notices for August Hearings
The CCP has now called on all involved parties to:
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Nominate authorized representatives
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Appear with all relevant documents and evidence
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Present facts for the rehearing process
This move reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to fair competition and legal due process.
