The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received a request forwarded by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) regarding a possible ban on Temu, one of the most popular e-commerce platforms currently operating in the country. The request was originally raised by the Pakistan Retail Business Council (PRBC) and the Chain Store Association of Pakistan (CAP), which jointly expressed concerns that Temu’s unregulated operations could have severe implications for domestic businesses. The communication from CCP was formally issued on August 22, 2025, and has now placed the responsibility of regulatory action with PTA, which is the competent authority to restrict or block mobile applications under existing laws.
According to the contents of CCP’s letter, both PRBC and CAP highlighted that Temu, along with Shein, is functioning in Pakistan without any form of regulatory approval. PRBC urged that Temu’s practices be curbed, citing the risk of harming local retail chains and consumer interests through unfair advantages and a lack of oversight. CAP supported this position, adding that the entry of such international e-commerce platforms without proper regulation poses a challenge to the sustainability of domestic trade. In their view, unchecked access to Temu and Shein could distort competition in the retail sector, making it increasingly difficult for established local businesses to operate on a level playing field.
The CCP clarified that under the Competition Act, 2010, it does not hold jurisdiction to impose a ban or restrict online platforms directly, as its mandate is limited to ensuring fair competition practices. Instead, CCP highlighted that matters involving access or restrictions to mobile applications fall under the domain of PTA. In its official response, CCP forwarded the industry stakeholders’ concerns to PTA and explicitly stated that further necessary action rests with the telecom regulator. This places PTA at the center of the decision-making process regarding whether Temu should continue to operate freely in Pakistan or face restrictions aligned with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
At present, the decision lies entirely with PTA, which may either opt to impose restrictions or block Temu’s services altogether if it deems the platform to be in violation of local regulations. The request has stirred considerable debate in business and consumer circles, as Temu has gained significant traction among Pakistani buyers for its competitive pricing and wide product range. However, local retailers have consistently argued that such platforms undermine the local economy by operating without the same tax, compliance, and regulatory obligations that domestic businesses must follow. Whether PTA will act on the forwarded request or allow Temu to continue its operations remains to be seen, but the matter underscores the ongoing tension between global e-commerce entrants and the protection of local market interests in Pakistan.
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