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Pakistan Competition Watchdog Issues Notices to 17 Major Private School Networks Over Costly Branded Supplies

Schools have 14 days to respond following findings of tying arrangements with markups reaching 280%.

Overview

  • CCP issued show-cause notices after an inquiry found students were compelled to buy logo notebooks, workbooks, and uniforms from designated sellers.
  • The probe cited undisclosed vendor deals and exclusive “study packs,” with some schools barring generic supplies from the open market.
  • Named networks include Beaconhouse, The City School, Lahore Grammar School, Roots International and Millennium, Westminster, Froebel’s, KIPS, Allied Schools, Supernova, Dar-e-Arqam, STEP, United Charter, and The Smart School.
  • The commission described enrolled families as captive consumers due to high switching costs, saying the conduct restricts choice and burdens household budgets.
  • CCP signaled possible enforcement orders and penalties under the Competition Act if violations are established, noting broader harm to small stationery and uniform vendors nationwide.