Heavy Fines Imposed for Deceptive Advertising in Real Estate, Automobile, Education and Cosmetics Sectors
Islamabad: The Competition Commission has taken strict action against misleading and deceptive advertising, imposing heavy fines on companies operating in the real estate, automobile, education and cosmetics sectors.
An inquiry has been initiated in Islamabad against fake and misleading housing advertisements, while action is also underway in Lahore against housing societies involved in deceptive promotional practices.
The Competition Commission imposed a Rs150 million fine on Kingdom Valley for misleading advertising. The authority has also attached the company’s bank accounts and recovered Rs27 million so far.
An inquiry has been launched into the dangerous use of mercury in skin-whitening creams, highlighting serious public health concerns.
In the automobile sector, Hyundai Tucson was fined Rs25 million for misleading advertisements related to its launch prices. In the education sector, British Lyceum was fined Rs5 million for publishing deceptive advertisements. Meanwhile, Al-Ghazi Tractors was fined Rs40 million for misleading farmers through false claims.
The Competition Commission also upheld a Rs150 million fine in the Strepsils case over misleading advertising, while action was taken against 3N Life Med for falsely claiming international certifications.
Additionally, the Commission maintained its fine order in the Diamond Paints case, reaffirming its stance against deceptive marketing practices.
The Competition Commission stated that such actions are aimed at protecting consumers, ensuring fair competition, and discouraging false and misleading advertising across all sectors.
