The federal government has appointed former Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Justice (Retired) Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar, as the new Chairman of the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT), a key judicial body that hears appeals against decisions of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
The appointment comes nearly two months after the retirement of Justice (Retired) Sajad Ali Shah, who stepped down from the post on August 13, 2025, upon reaching the age of 68. Justice Sajad had been appointed as Tribunal Chairman in February 2025 and was credited with significantly reducing the backlog by deciding almost 50 percent of pending cases during his brief but effective tenure.
Justice Junaid Ghaffar, a seasoned jurist known for his expertise in constitutional and commercial law, brings over a decade of judicial experience to the role. He began his judicial career at the Sindh High Court in 2013, was confirmed as a permanent judge in 2015, and later served as Acting Chief Justice in February 2025 before being confirmed as Chief Justice in July 2025. He retired from the post on September 13, 2025.
During his tenure at the Sindh High Court, Justice Ghaffar delivered several important judgments in constitutional, civil, and trade-related cases, earning recognition for his balanced and analytical approach to legal interpretation.
The Competition Appellate Tribunal, established under the Competition Act, serves as an independent judicial forum for reviewing CCP orders, penalties, and directives. It plays a critical role in ensuring fair market practices, transparency, and the protection of business rights in Pakistan’s economic landscape.
With Justice Ghaffar’s appointment, observers expect further improvements in the tribunal’s judicial performance, case management, and the interpretation of competition law.
The tribunal currently comprises three members: Dr. Faiz Elahi Memon and Asim Akram, both appointed earlier in February 2025, alongside the newly appointed Chairman, Justice (R) Junaid Ghaffar.
