DefinePK

Abstract

The primary goal of the leniency program is to penetrate the veil of secrecy upheld bycartels, thereby dismantling such illicit activities and putting an end to violations of thelaw. The Competition Commission of Pakistan offers full immunity, reduction of fines,and leniency plus depending on the case. The developed competition jurisdiction suchas the European Union leniency program is very successful and most cartel cases areinitiated by leniency applications. The leniency program of Pakistan is not effectiveenough to generate desirable results. The current situation of Pakistan’s leniencyregime reflects that the level and the type of the existing penalties may not be enoughto encourage cartel participants to secure the benefits of leniency. The leniencyprogram of Pakistan, if it is to succeed, should assist the Competition Commission ofPakistan in considerably shortening cartel proceedings as leniency programs do in allsuccessful jurisdictions, since leniency applicants will provide the necessary evidence.It would ultimately ensure that the Competition Commission of Pakistan optimally usesthe information received through leniency. This is considered to be the most desirableoutcome.