CCP Targets Schools for Forcing Costly Branded Supplies

ISLAMABAD — November 22, 2025: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued show-cause notices to seventeen major private school systems across the country for allegedly compelling parents to purchase expensive, logo-branded school supplies exclusively from authorised vendors.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the CCP said the schools were suspected of abusing their dominant position by mandating the purchase of branded notebooks, workbooks, uniforms, and other supplies at inflated prices. The commission said the action aims to protect millions of school-going children and their families from “unfair pricing practices.”

Atif Aslam Addresses Claims He Charges High Fees for Interviews

Eminem Sues Australian Brand “Swim Shady”

Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Air Show; Pilot Killed

The enforcement action follows a detailed suo motu inquiry launched after multiple complaints from parents and guardians, who accused the schools of imposing arbitrary fee hikes, enforcing non-transparent selling practices, and bundling mandatory branded items that left families with no alternative but to buy from designated outlets.

The school systems under investigation include Beaconhouse, The City School, Lahore Grammar School, Headstart, Froebel’s, Roots International, Roots Millennium, KIPS, Allied Schools, Super Nova, Dar-e-Arqam, STEP School, Westminster International, United Charter School, The Smart School, and several others. Collectively, these networks operate thousands of campuses nationwide.

The CCP inquiry found that many schools enforced strict rules preventing students from using generic notebooks or uniforms. Several institutions sold compulsory “study packs” through their own portals or through exclusive vendors. The report revealed that some branded study packs were up to 280% more expensive than comparable items available in local markets.

‘The Simpsons’ Permanently Writes Off Long-Running Character After 37 Seasons

Kashmiris should not be targeted after Delhi blast: Mehbooba Mufti

IIOJK business community under lens as Indian forces carry out extensive searches

The commission noted that parents effectively became “captive consumers,” with schools enjoying a 100% market share over their enrolled students. High switching costs — including limited school options, costly transfer fees, and transportation challenges — meant families had little to no choice but to comply.

The CCP said these practices restricted market access for thousands of small stationery and uniform retailers, limited consumer choice, and contributed to rising educational expenses at a time when inflation is already pressuring household budgets. The conduct was found to violate Sections 4(1) and 4(2)(a) of the Competition Act, 2010.

The seventeen school systems have been directed to submit written responses within 14 days and appear before the commission to explain why penalties should not be imposed under Sections 31 and 38. Failure to comply may result in ex-parte proceedings. Under the law, penalties may amount to 10% of annual turnover or Rs 750 million — whichever is higher.

Indian forces launch crackdown operation on social media platforms in IIOJK

Fabio Wardley Vows to “Earn” His World Heavyweight Champion Status

Italy Draw Northern Ireland in FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff Semi-Finals

Mitchell Starc Becomes First Bowler to Achieve Multiple First-Over Strikes in Ashes Series

Gustav Klimt Painting Sets $236.4M Record in Sotheby’s New York Sale