ISLAMABAD – Misleading Sale Campaigns by 20 Pakistani brands face fines by Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) over false advertising.
These brands faced action for deceptive advertising practices during their end-of-season sales while commission flagged these tactics as misleading, particularly in relation to promotions that advertise discounts as “up to a certain percentage.”
CCP termed these vague discount akin to ‘bait advertising,’ which misleads consumers about the products available.
A recent inquiry by Market Intelligence Unit of Fair Trade found that many retailers were promoting attractive discounts on items they did not intend to sell, instead pushing less desirable alternatives, and it attracted action under Section 10 of the Deceptive Marketing Practices Act.
The survey conducted in the twin cities revealed that substantial discounts were often applied only to a limited range of less popular products, while popular items were frequently offered with minimal or no discounts. This discrepancy has left consumers confused about the actual savings on their desired products.
Some brands were noted for providing clear flat discounts with adequate disclosures regarding the stock available, earning praise from the CCP.
The commission urged all consumer brands to avoid misleading information and to ensure transparency regarding actual prices, discounts, and stock availability. Brands that fail to comply may face enforcement actions under the Competition Act, 2010.
Gold shatters all previous records to hit new all-time high in Pakistan
