The Federal Government has appointed Justice (Retired) Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar, former Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, as the new Chairman of the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT), a key judicial body that hears appeals against the orders of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
Justice Ghaffar’s appointment marks the beginning of a new phase for the tribunal, which plays a central role in enforcing fair competition and curbing monopolistic practices in Pakistan’s markets. Known for his judicial integrity and command over commercial and constitutional law, Justice Ghaffar is expected to bring renewed energy and efficiency to the tribunal’s proceedings.
The position fell vacant after the retirement of Justice (Retired) Sajad Ali Shah on August 13, 2025, upon completion of his tenure at the age of 68. During his term, Justice Shah had significantly improved the tribunal’s performance, clearing almost half of its pending cases and reducing procedural delays that had long hindered its effectiveness.
Justice Ghaffar, who retired as Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court last month, has served the judiciary for more than a decade. He was first appointed as a judge in 2013, confirmed as a permanent judge in 2015, and rose to the position of Chief Justice in July 2025. His tenure was noted for transparent judicial practices and progressive judgments, particularly in matters relating to corporate law and governance.
The Competition Appellate Tribunal, operating under the Competition Act 2010, functions as an independent judicial authority that reviews appeals against the CCP’s enforcement decisions, including penalties, mergers, and anti-cartel actions. It aims to maintain a competitive business environment and ensure consumer protection through legal oversight.
Justice Ghaffar will be joined by members Dr. Faiz Elahi Memon and Asim Akram, who have been serving on the tribunal since February 2025. The new leadership is expected to focus on speeding up appeal decisions, enhancing legal transparency, and promoting regulatory confidence in Pakistan’s competition regime.
Legal observers have welcomed the appointment, describing it as a positive move that could strengthen institutional credibility and boost investor confidence. Analysts believe Justice Ghaffar’s experience in handling complex commercial disputes will help ensure that the tribunal delivers timely, well-reasoned judgments — a crucial factor in improving Pakistan’s ease of doing business ranking.
