Women In Law Initiative Hosts Competition Law Awareness Session In Islamabad

In recent years, competition law has emerged as a crucial aspect of legal practice in Pakistan. This area of law aims to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices, ensuring that consumers benefit from a healthy market environment. Understanding competition law is essential for legal professionals, businesses, and consumers alike, as it plays a significant role in shaping economic policies and protecting consumer rights.

This week, an important awareness session on competition law was held in Islamabad, organized by the Women in Law Initiative Pakistan. The event was conducted in collaboration with the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and received support from the Legal Awareness Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA). The session was hosted by IHCBA Secretary Shafqat Abbas, with the presence of IHCBA President Riasat Azad and numerous lawyers, highlighting the significance of this topic within the legal community.

During the session, Nida Usman Chaudhary, the Founder of the Women in Law Initiative Pakistan, shared her motivations for organizing the event. She emphasized the importance of educating legal professionals about competition law to enhance their understanding and application in practice. Following her remarks, Sibah Farooq, the chairperson of the Legal Awareness Committee, provided a detailed historical overview of competition law, shedding light on its evolution and importance in the current legal landscape.

The event commenced with opening remarks from CCP Member Salman Amin, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of competition law. A short documentary was screened, which introduced the basics of competition law, making it accessible to all attendees. This was followed by an in-depth presentation by Kishwar Khan, the Director General for Research at CCP, who elaborated on the intricacies of the law.

A panel discussion moderated by Maryam Haseeb from the CCP featured notable experts, including Shazia Ashraf, the CCP Exemptions Director, and Barristers Zainab Khan and Zainab Janjua. This interactive segment allowed the audience to engage directly with the experts, fostering a rich dialogue on the practical implications of competition law.

As the session drew to a close, IHCBA President Riasat Azad delivered a concluding address, summarizing the key takeaways from the event. To recognize the active participation of attendees, shields and certificates were distributed, celebrating their commitment to understanding and promoting competition law.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including former high court judge Advocate Jamila Jahanoor Aslam, members from the Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) Bar, and senior advocates such as Kosar Awan and Bilquees Rasheed Minhas. Their participation underscored the collective effort to enhance legal knowledge and practice in Pakistan.

The awareness session on competition law not only provided valuable insights into a critical area of legal practice but also fostered a sense of community among legal professionals. As competition law continues to evolve, it is imperative for lawyers and stakeholders to stay informed and engaged. Such initiatives play a vital role in ensuring that the legal framework in Pakistan remains robust and responsive to the needs of its citizens, ultimately contributing to a fair and competitive marketplace.