The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CCP) on Wednesday dismissed the appeals of several banks and the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), upholding the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s decision to impose a Rs200m fine in the banking cartel case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The case, concerning enhanced savings accounts, had been pending since 2008, when the CCP had found that banks colluded to fix mark-ups, causing losses to depositors.
Under the ruling, the Pakistan Banking Association faces a fine of Rs30m, while Habib Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, MCB Bank Limited, United Bank Limited, Saudi Pak Bank Limited, Atlas Bank Limited, and National Bank of Pakistan have each been fined Rs25m.
The tribunal issued a short order, with detailed reasons to follow.
CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Siddhu stated that while justice can sometimes be delayed, it cannot be denied. The CCP has resolved over 70 percent of its pending cases in courts.
Reporter: Waqas Azeem