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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
United Distributors Pakistan, International Brands mull legal action against CCP penalty
Following penalties imposed by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), United Distributors Pakistan Limited (UDPL) and International Brands (Private) Limited (IBL) said they are reviewing the order and considering legal options. UDPL, engaged in the manufacturing of pesticides and fertilizers, said in its filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday. 'The CCP had initiated proceedings against UDPL and IBL, with respect to a non-compete agreement that had been entered into between the parties, in respect of which the company had made disclosures under the applicable law from time to time (and last on May 15, 2024),' read the notice. Two firms found guilty of Rs1.13bn anti-competitive pact in pharmaceutical sector The CCP found UDPL and IBL guilty of Rs1.13 billion anti-competitive agreement. It imposed a total penalty of Rs42 million on both companies for entering into and giving effect to the non-compete agreement that the commission said had violated Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010. In its statement on Wednesday, the CCP said the agreement had constituted an illegal market-sharing arrangement that foreclosed competition and had been executed in clear contravention of the law. Meanwhile, UDPL, in its statement on Friday, maintained that the companies had been transparent about this agreement and had made several disclosures — the last one on May 15, 2024. 'Although the actual implementation of the restrictive arrangement under the said agreement was (and continues to be) subject to seeking the requisite exemption from CCP, regrettably, due to certain internal delays in obtaining the necessary information, the company and IBL were unable to file the exemption application in a timely manner. 'Prior to the filing, CCP issued show-cause notices to the companies on the basis that the company had received consideration under the agreement from IBL, which the CCP became aware of pursuant to the transparent disclosures made by the company,' UDPL said. The company shared that an exemption application was subsequently filed by the parties, which is currently pending. UDPL maintained that it 'has always been transparent in its disclosures demonstrating its intention to comply with all applicable laws'. 'Consequently, pursuant to an order dated July 2, 2025, received by the company on July 3, 2025, the CCP has, inter alia, levied a penalty of Rs21,000,000/- on the company for allegedly acting upon the restrictive arrangement and disclosing the same without seeking prior clearance/exemption from the CCР. 'The company, along with IBL, are currently reviewing the order and seeking advice regarding appropriate remedies that may be taken, as the parties are of the view that cogent grounds exist in favour of the companies and their actions,' it said. The CCP imposed a penalty of Rs20 million each on UDPL and IBL for violating Section 4(1) and 4(2)(b) of the Act. An additional penalty of Rs1 million was levied on UDPL under Section 38 for making disclosures to PSX without regulatory clearance.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Two firms found guilty of Rs1.13bn anti-competitive pact in pharmaceutical sector
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has found two companies, United Distributors Pakistan Limited (UDPL) and International Brands (Private) Limited (IBL), guilty of Rs1.13 billion anti-competitive agreement, according to a CCP statement released on Wednesday. The CCP imposed a total penalty of Rs42 million on UDPL and IBL for entering into and giving effect to the non-compete agreement that the commission said had violated Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010. 'In a detailed order, the commission found both companies guilty of entering into a restrictive agreement that prevented UDPL from entering the distribution market of human pharmaceutical products in Pakistan for three years. CCP clears 40.63% share acquisition of Mitchell's Fruit Farms by CCL Holding In return, IBL paid Rs1.131 billion to UDPL as compensation—an arrangement disclosed by UDPL to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) without prior regulatory approval,' the CCP statement read. The CCP said the agreement had constituted an illegal market-sharing arrangement that foreclosed competition and had been executed in clear contravention of the law. 'The intention was to establish a protective barrier around IBL's operations, secured through a compensation of Rs1.131 billion, in exchange for UDPL to abstain from market participation,' the order noted, adding that such conduct undermined competitive dynamics and harms consumers. While the agreement included a clause stating that regulatory exemption would be sought from CCP, the parties 'failed to do so until after the show-cause notices were issued in June 2024'. 'The commission found this post-facto action insufficient to cure the violation.' As a result, the CCP imposed a penalty of Rs20 million each on UDPL and IBL for violating Section 4(1) and 4(2)(b) of the Act. An additional penalty of Rs1 million was levied on UDPL under Section 38 for making disclosures to PSX without regulatory clearance. CCP grants exemptions to logistics and transport sector The order also directed the companies to submit a compliance report within 30 days and warns of additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance. Furthermore, the CCP referred the matter to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the PSX for any further action deemed necessary under their respective legal frameworks.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs6.18bn development fund released to PBC in nine months
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Survey 2024–25 stated that development fund worth Rs6.18 billion was released to the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) during the first nine months of the fiscal year, including Rs500 million in additional funds from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to meet operational and employee-related expenditures. Simultaneously, the government allocated Rs1.13 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for technical upgrades of Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). The Economic Survey also highlighted that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) deposited Rs2.13 million into the national exchequer during the July–March period of FY2025, down from Rs2.75 million during the same period last year. According to the survey, PTV continues to play a central role in public broadcasting with 100% population coverage through its terrestrial network and a line-up of seven channels, including the country's only English-language news channel, PTV World. As of March 2025, there were over 26 million registered television set holders in Pakistan. Under the PSDP allocation, civil works have been completed for the National Film Production Institute at PTV Academy, while procurement of equipment is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Rs805 million Revamping of PTVC project is aimed at modernizing broadcast systems and improving signal quality. The Economic Survey noted that PBC remained a vital medium for disseminating government policies, creating public awareness, and countering adverse foreign narratives. Through a nationwide network of 80 broadcasting units across 32 locations, Radio Pakistan broadcast special programming during Ramadan, promoted interfaith harmony, and covered events such as International Minority Day, Diwali, Holi, and Christmas in multiple languages. The survey further pointed out that PBC aired extensive coverage of the Kashmir issue, including the week-long Youm-e-Istehsaal-e-Kashmir and dedicated programs on Right to Self-Determination Day and Kashmir Black Day. Development projects under PBC, according to the survey, were progressing across multiple fronts. These included the Saut-ul-Quran FM Network Phase-III (Rs529 million), up-gradation of transmitters in Khuzdar and Quetta (Rs1.54 billion and Rs1.07 billion respectively), rehabilitation of the Khairpur Medium Wave station (Rs878 million), and installation of a 1000kW DRM-enabled transmitter at HPT Rawat (Rs3.85 billion). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Cops Rescue 12 Children in Crackdown on Beggars
Nagpur: In a determined effort to curb street begging and associated illegal activities, the Ganeshpeth police, in collaboration with the women and child development department and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), rescued 12 children and shifted six men and four women to govt shelter homes on Wednesday. The operation, conducted near railway premises on the Cotton Market side, was part of 'Operation Mukti', a citywide initiative launched by commissioner of police Ravinder Singal to clear public spaces of beggars and vagabonds. Led by senior inspector Machhindra Pandit, the drive targeted areas notorious for encroachment and petty crimes linked to begging. The action follows a similar operation a week ago, where authorities were stunned to find a beggar carrying a knife and another woman in possession of Rs1.13 lakh in cash, hinting at the complex underbelly of organised begging rackets. Since the launch of Mission Mukti, over 50 homeless individuals and vagabonds have been relocated to shelter homes, offering them a chance at rehabilitation. Singal issued strict directives to Tehsil and Ganeshpeth police stations to ensure these areas remain free of beggars, who were linked to illegal activities and road encroachments. Senior officials emphasised that the cleared spaces, owned by NMC, should be repurposed for beautification projects to prevent re-encroachment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Resort todo incluido en Punta Cana Palladium Hotel Group Undo The rescued children, vulnerable to exploitation, are now under the care of the women and child development department, which is working to provide them with education and support. The operation underscores Nagpur police's commitment to public safety and urban cleanliness. As Operation Mukti continues, authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle begging networks and rehabilitate those in need, aiming to restore order and dignity to the city's streets. Nagpur: In a determined effort to curb street begging and associated illegal activities, the Ganeshpeth police, in collaboration with the women and child development department and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), rescued 12 children and shifted six men and four women to govt shelter homes on Wednesday. The operation, conducted near railway premises on the Cotton Market side, was part of 'Operation Mukti', a citywide initiative launched by commissioner of police Ravinder Singal to clear public spaces of beggars and vagabonds. Led by senior inspector Machhindra Pandit, the drive targeted areas notorious for encroachment and petty crimes linked to begging. The action follows a similar operation a week ago, where authorities were stunned to find a beggar carrying a knife and another woman in possession of Rs1.13 lakh in cash, hinting at the complex underbelly of organised begging rackets. Since the launch of Mission Mukti, over 50 homeless individuals and vagabonds have been relocated to shelter homes, offering them a chance at rehabilitation. Singal issued strict directives to Tehsil and Ganeshpeth police stations to ensure these areas remain free of beggars, who were linked to illegal activities and road encroachments. Senior officials emphasised that the cleared spaces, owned by NMC, should be repurposed for beautification projects to prevent re-encroachment. The rescued children, vulnerable to exploitation, are now under the care of the women and child development department, which is working to provide them with education and support. The operation underscores Nagpur police's commitment to public safety and urban cleanliness. As Operation Mukti continues, authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle begging networks and rehabilitate those in need, aiming to restore order and dignity to the city's streets.
