ISLAMABAD — In a major move to protect consumers and maintain market integrity, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued a strict advisory targeting real estate developers, urging them to advertise responsibly and compete fairly in the market.
The competition watchdog highlighted an increasing trend in deceptive marketing practices within the property sector. The CCP explicitly warned developers against utilizing misleading location claims, advertising fake regulatory approvals, guaranteeing unrealistic return promises, or omitting critical material information regarding their projects.
According to the CCP, fair advertising is not only essential for protecting vulnerable buyers from financial exploitation but also forms the foundation of healthy, competitive market dynamics.
“Violations of the Competition Act may attract penalties of up to PKR 75 million or 10 percent of an enterprise’s annual turnover,” the advisory stated.
The commission emphasized that it is closely monitoring marketing campaigns across digital, print, and electronic media. Real estate firms found guilty of deceptive marketing or withholding vital project details from the public will face severe legal actions under Section 10 of the Competition Act, which prohibits deceptive marketing practices.
