In a significant development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited’s request to transfer its appeal against the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to Justice Anwal-ul-Haq. The court has now fixed October 13, 2025, for final arguments.
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Honda Atlas is facing allegations of consumer exploitation through premium payments, delayed deliveries, and price escalations. The automaker had challenged the CCP’s jurisdiction to investigate its practices, but the court directed both parties to proceed on merits without further delay.
Appearing on behalf of the CCP, Advocate Asad Chatta argued that the inquiry—launched in 2018—has been repeatedly stalled since 2023 due to Honda’s legal maneuvers. He assured the bench that if the stay is lifted, the investigation could be concluded within six months.
The court was informed that CCP has not taken any adverse action against Honda, having only sought data and information to assess the allegations. However, the company resisted by filing multiple petitions and ignoring five official notices between 2018 and 2022. The petitioner’s counsel reportedly sought over 15 adjournments, further delaying the proceedings.
The CCP maintains that the inquiry was initiated with a valid quorum under Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, covering potential anti-competitive practices. With Pakistan’s auto market now hosting 13 carmakers—up from just three when the probe began—the regulator contends Honda’s delaying tactics are an attempt to avoid accountability, while CCP aims to set a precedent for consumer rights and fair competition in the sector.
