Genuine protection to consumers demanded

Concerned citizens of Karachi have recommended establishment of consumer protection councils by the residents of each and every locality in the metropolis so as to counter unrealistic raise made in the cost of different consumable items.
This was prerequisite to protect unassuming consumers hoodwinked by the chain comprising producers, wholesalers and retailers, they told APP Saturday.
Farhana Ghizal, Fariha Jabbar, Abdul Munaim and others also suggested close networking among locality level consumer protection councils and expansion of these across the country so as to strengthen consumer protection movement.
Fariha Jabbar said the idea behind is not only to check any unrealistic raise in the cost of goods, of daily public use, but also to ensure quality of all the products available to the masses. Abdul Munaim said people need to put their foot down in getting essential items at affordable cost for each and every citizen of the country.
“We as citizens must not resist taxation on luxury items,” he said.
Farhana Ghizal highlighted urgency for economic reforms in the country and demanded that a pragmatic approach must be adopted in the implementation of Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST).
“A transparent approach must be ensured that traders and shop keepers are compelled to issue receipts to the buyers,” she said. The activists said that each and every resourceful section of the society must be taxed without any distinction and that people actually of meager resources may not be unnecessarily burdened. This, they said was possible through no or minimum taxation on food and other essential consumable goods.
GOVERNOR’S MEETING: Bishop of Trociare has appreciated the efforts made by the Governor of Sindh, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad for the welfare of minority communities.
In a meeting with the Governor of Sindh, during his visit to Belfast, the bishop also appreciated Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad for promoting harmony among believers of different religions.
Governor House’s source here on Saturday said the Governor also thanked bishop for his support provided to the country during recent torrential rains and floods.