The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has officially forwarded a request to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ban the famous online shopping app Temu in Pakistan. The matter was raised by two of the country’s strongest business groups — the Pakistan Retail Business Council (PRBC) and the Chain Store Association of Pakistan (CAP). Both groups believe that the rise of Temu, and even Shein, is becoming a serious threat for local businesses.
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Shopping App Temu in Pakistan Concerns of Local Shopkeepers
PRBC and CAP clearly stated that Temu and Shein are running their business inside Pakistan without proper approval or registration. They claim that these apps are selling products at extremely low prices, which might look attractive for customers but is unfair for shopkeepers.
Local traders fear that if Temu continues to operate without any rules, many small and large businesses will lose customers. This could also create a loss of jobs in the retail sector. PRBC has directly requested the government to limit or regulate Temu’s activities in the country to protect local markets.
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Key Concerns of Business Groups
| Concern | Explanation |
| Unfair Competition | Temu and Shein sell at lower prices than local markets. |
| No Approval | Apps are working in Pakistan without official registration. |
| Job Loss | Local shopkeepers may lose business, leading to unemployment. |
| Market Damage | Small shops may shut down if customers shift to online apps. |
CCP’s Official Reply
On August 22, 2025, the CCP issued a formal letter about the case. The letter explained that under the Competition Act, 2010, the CCP has no power to ban or block apps. Its job is only to look after competition issues between businesses.
Since the power of banning or restricting apps lies with PTA, the CCP has now forwarded the complaint to them. This means only the PTA can decide whether Temu will continue or face restrictions in Pakistan.
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What Happens Next?
Now the ball is in PTA’s court. PTA has three options:
- Ban Temu completely in Pakistan.
- Allow it with restrictions and rules.
- Let it continue without changes.
In the past, PTA has taken similar actions against apps and websites when they were found violating laws. For example, social media platforms have faced temporary bans or restrictions before.
This decision will be very important because it will set the direction of online shopping in Pakistan. If PTA bans Temu, local shopkeepers will feel secure. But if Temu continues, customers will enjoy cheaper prices, while shopkeepers may struggle more.
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Possible Decisions by PTA
| Option | Impact on Customers | Impact on Shopkeepers |
| Ban Temu | No access to cheap products | Local shops get relief |
| Restrict Temu | Limited discounts, some control | Balanced competition |
| Allow Temu | More variety & low prices | Local shops may lose business |
Final Words
The Temu case in Pakistan is a clear example of how international online platforms are changing local markets. On one hand, customers are happy because they get cheap products and more variety. On the other side, shopkeepers fear losing their income and businesses.
The final decision will be made by the PTA, and millions of people — shopkeepers, businessmen, and online buyers — are waiting to see what happens next. Whether PTA bans Temu or not, one thing is sure: the future of online shopping in Pakistan is going to be very different from the past.
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