ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued show-cause notices to 17 prominent private schools for allegedly forcing students to purchase costly school-logo notebooks, workbooks, and uniforms. The schools have been asked to submit a written response within 14 days.
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According to the CCP’s inquiry report, the private institutions are accused of abusing their dominant position by compelling students to buy branded items at prices up to 280 percent higher than similar products available in the open market. The investigation also revealed undisclosed agreements between some schools and specific vendors.
The report highlights that once admitted, students become “captive consumers,” as high readmission costs and logistical challenges prevent parents from switching schools. This situation, according to the CCP, leaves parents with no choice but to comply with the schools’ commercial demands.
With nearly 50 percent of students in Pakistan enrolled in private schools, these practices affect millions of families and thousands of small stationery and uniform vendors nationwide. Schools often label mandatory purchases as “guidelines,” limiting parents from seeking more affordable alternatives in the market.
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The CCP has deemed this conduct a violation of the Competition Act, stating that these private school systems are misusing their market power and exploiting students as captive consumers.