Will PTA Ban Temu in Pakistan? Local Businesses Raise Concerns
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received an official request to ban the Temu app in Pakistan, following concerns raised by leading retail organizations. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) forwarded the request after receiving complaints from the Pakistan Retail Business Council (PRBC) and the Chain Store Association of Pakistan (CAP).
Why Local Businesses Want Temu Banned
Local retailers and shopkeepers have voiced strong concerns about Temu and Shein operating in the country without proper registration or oversight. Both PRBC and CAP argue that these international platforms are:
Selling products at ultra-low prices
Avoiding local regulations
Hurting small and medium businesses
They believe the presence of such platforms could undermine Pakistan’s retail sector, especially small shopkeepers who cannot compete with the heavily discounted prices offered online.
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CCP’sResponse: Not Our Jurisdiction
On August 22, 2025, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) issued a statement clarifying its stance. According to the CCP:
"Under the Competition Act, 2010, we do not have the authority to block or ban mobile applications. Our mandate is limited to overseeing fair competition among businesses."
As such, the CCP has forwarded the matter to PTA, which has the legal authority to take action against mobile applications operating in Pakistan.
What Will PTA Do Next?
The final decision now rests with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The PTA may choose to:
Ban the Temu app entirely
Impose restrictions or licensing requirements
Allow the app to operate under existing frameworks
In the past, PTA has taken similar action against apps and websites that violated national laws or posed risks to local interests.
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The Bigger Picture: Local vs Global E-commerce
This situation highlights the ongoing conflict between local businesses and global e-commerce platforms. While apps like Temu and Shein offer Pakistani consumers cheaper prices and a wider product range, they also pose a significant threat to traditional retail businesses.
As more Pakistanis turn to online shopping, regulatory bodies like PTA and CCP face increased pressure to strike a balance between consumer choice and economic fairness for local sellers.
Conclusion
The request to ban Temu in Pakistan marks a critical moment in the evolving landscape of digital commerce and retail competition. As stakeholders await PTA’s decision, the outcome could set a major precedent for how Pakistan handles foreign e-commerce apps in the future.
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