KARACHI: The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has flayed the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) ‘unfair’ attitude and action against the association.
In a statement, the PBA said that the CCP officials entered the premises of the Association’s secretariat and took away all the important original record and documents without assigning any reasonable grounds or by giving any prior information or warning.
“This action of the government is being taken as an attempt to suppress media and curb freedom of expression by using strong arm tactics and putting pressure on the parent electronic media body. This action of CCP is against the principles of natural justice as there is no prior notice to the association by the department.”
The PBA urged the prime minister to take immediate steps against the `arbitrary and highhanded action of the commission’.
Meanwhile, during the presentation before the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, CCP Chairman Dr Joseph Wilson said that formal inquiries under section 37 of the Competition Act have been initiated against 4 sectors.
Firstly, an association of automobile dealers is suspected of fixing prices of repair and paint jobs. Secondly, an association of media houses is suspected of managing members’ advertisement business. Thirdly, poultry feed manufacturers are suspected of fixing prices. Fourthly, the cement manufacturers are suspected of collectively fixing prices.
