ISLAMABAD, Sept 30 The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Wednesday accepted the assurances given by China Mobile and Ufone for their misleading advertisements and decided not to impose any penalty on them.

However, the companies have been warned that in future CCP will take a very strict view of non-compliance or contravention of the Competition Ordinance, 2007.

According to CCP, both Ufone and China Mobile have assured through an undertaking in writing that they will comply with the provisions of the regulations.

Earlier, the CCP had issued show-cause notices to both the companies for misleading advertisements.

The CCP had observed that Zong's advertisement '8 Anay per call' advert was false and misleading and in violation of Section 10 of the Competition Ordinance, 2007.

The CCP noted that the said advertisement lacked reasonable basis regarding the price, call rates, or inclusiveness of government taxes being not specified and its character and the duration of call at which the rates were applicable was not stipulated clearly.

The CCP observed that the televised advertisement of Ufone's Uwon Package did not mention that the advertised rates, to call other networks, are applicable on per minute calls.

As per the submissions of Ufone the advertisement contains a disclaimer. However, the same is in English and was neither visible nor readable.

The order further states that, such information must be clearly conveyed to customers as the advertised call rates increase, when 21 per cent FED are included in the advertised call rates.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...