The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) have discussed consumer protection, fair competition and misleading marketing practices in the food and real estate sectors.

CCP Member Bushra Nasr Malik, accompanied by CCP Director Amin, visited the CAP head office in Karachi for a detailed meeting with Chairman Kaukab Iqbal and senior office-bearers.

The meeting was chaired by Kaukab Iqbal. CAP Women Wing Chairperson Maryam Hina and Senior Vice Chairman Abdul Salam Dadabhoy also attended.

CAP Calls for Clear Food Date Marking

Kaukab Iqbal highlighted concerns over food labelling and called for production and expiry dates to be clearly displayed on food packaging.

He said consumers should not have to search for expiry information or rely on verbal assurances from sellers.

According to Iqbal, clear date marking can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions while supporting food safety and consumer awareness.

He also raised concerns about eggs being sold without clear date information.

Iqbal urged food regulatory authorities across Pakistan to introduce and enforce a system requiring eggs to carry production or packing dates and expiry or best-before information, where applicable under food safety regulations.

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“Eggs are an essential part of our daily diet and an important source of protein,” Iqbal said. “Consumers have the right to know how old the eggs are and whether they are safe for consumption.”

He stressed that the issue requires nationwide attention because millions of people consume eggs regularly, including children.

CCP and CAP Examine Deceptive Food Marketing

The meeting also focused on misleading claims and other deceptive marketing practices in the food sector.

Iqbal urged the CCP and relevant food authorities to examine cases where consumers may receive incomplete or misleading information.

The participants agreed that consumers need accurate and transparent information before purchasing products.

They also discussed the importance of stronger enforcement against marketing practices that could influence consumers through unclear or exaggerated claims.

Real Estate Advertising Under Discussion

The participants also examined deceptive marketing concerns in the real estate sector.

Iqbal said advertisements for housing schemes and other property projects should provide complete and verifiable information.

He highlighted concerns over potentially misleading claims about project approvals, facilities, development progress, possession and location.

According to the CAP chairman, inaccurate information can expose consumers to significant financial losses.

He called for stronger monitoring of real estate advertising and closer coordination between regulatory authorities.

The aim, he said, should be to prevent consumers from making major financial decisions based on exaggerated or misleading promotional material.

CCP, CAP Seek Stronger Consumer Protection

CCP representatives and CAP leadership agreed on the importance of continued cooperation between regulatory authorities and consumer organisations.

The participants said regular engagement could help address emerging consumer concerns and strengthen consumer protection mechanisms.

Iqbal welcomed the visit by Bushra Nasr Malik and Amin. He said stronger cooperation between the CCP and CAP could help promote a fair, transparent and competitive marketplace.

As a token of appreciation, Iqbal presented a memento to Malik for her participation in the meeting.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue dialogue on consumer rights, deceptive marketing, food safety, transparent labelling, fair competition and consumer welfare across Pakistan.