Representatives of different consumers associations on Wednesday constituted Pakistan Consumers Federation (PCF) for protection of consumers rights in the country.
During the meeting, NGOs actively involved for protection of consumer rights and raising public awareness about their rights as consumers were also present. They unanimously agreed to form a joint platform, “Pakistan Consumers Federation,” so as to strongly plead the consumers’ cause. All major organizations Consumers Association of Pakistan, Helpline Trust, Consumer Foundation, National Forum for Environment and Health and Consumers Forum signed a joint declaration that sought promulgation of relevant laws at federal and provincial legislature by the forthcoming elected assemblies. It was agreed that awareness at all levels has to be created to curb the menace of counterfeit and fake products besides protecting people against exploitation in form of profiteering.
The signatories agreed that campaigns would be initiated on immediate basis so as to ensure that these issues are adopted on priority by the public representatives in next few months time. It was also agreed that efforts would be made to sensitize masses about their rights as consumers and their responsibility to acquire these.
Involvement of all government institutions, forums, accreditation bodies and implementation groups would also be taken on board, agreed the signatories. The resolution was strongly endorsed by FPCCI’s standing committee on “Brands Protection and Promotion,” and its standing committee on Consumer Rights Protection. The body in collaboration with above mentioned NGOs had only recently organized and extensive session to commemorate World Consumers Day. On the occasion Shaikh Rashid Alam, chairman FPCCI standing committee on brands protection and promotion had said that safety of consumer rights was a corporate responsibility of all industrial groups. This, he said was as important as the safety of industries working with documented economy and contributing to the exchequer and safety of intellectual property of legitimate brands operating in marketplace. He on the occasion said trend must be curtailed under which sketchy consumer organizations are being created by unscrupulous elements in their self-interest.
