Navigating Enforcement Challenges in Pakistan’s Merger Control Regime

Abstract

Merger control is a fundamental component of competition law, ensuring market fairness by preventing anti-competitive mergers and monopolistic dominance. It is an important factor for business development, optimization, and transformation. But if left unchecked, it can also decrease competition by blending market strength, reducing consumer choice, and probably allowing anti-competitive behaviors. This article critically examines the effectiveness of Pakistan’s Competition Act, 2010 in regulating mergers, assessing its legal framework, enforcement challenges, and impact on competition. The study proposes policy recommendations to strengthen Pakistan’s merger regulation, enhance CCP’s enforcement mechanisms, and align with international best practices.