KARACHI, Oct 27: Pakistan Standards Institution (PSI) prepared 4,500 standards out of 13,500 produced by the world experts. This was stated by Dr Khaqan Hasan, Director General of Pakistan Standards and Quality Authority (PSQA), in a radio news conference on Sunday.
He said that out of these 4,500 standards, the PSQA has been producing 3,500 standards on the pattern of International Standard Organization (ISO) while remaining are to be developed as Pakistan-specific.
The Authority has so far listed 46 such items, including edible oils and mineral water, which have be manufactured as per Pakistan standards and their manufacturers are bound to obtain a licence for the purpose.
Replying to a question, Dr Hasan said that a number of measures have been taken to ensure requisite quality of edible oils and ghee. However, he added, petroleum products are the purview of the Ministry of Petroleum.
To another question, he said that about 50 per cent of about 164 cooking oil factories stopped operating whereas 80 have been issued with licences.
About substandard products, he said that relevant laws provide for one year imprisonment and Rs50,000 fine to those violating the standards. He agreed that the laws were not being implemented in letter and spirit.
Dr Hasan revealed that provincial committees were being set up to ensure enforcement of these laws effectively. He said violation of standard may also lead to the closure of the factory involved. He urged consumers to play a vital role in this regard. He advised them to purchase on those products which carry the symbol of PSI. Thus, he said, substandard products would automatically vanish from the markets as buyers would not buy them. This trend, he added, may also force the manufacturers to improve quality of their products.
The PSQA official, while replying to a question, mentioned that ‘Desi’ drinks have not been listed as standardized item. However, he said, the idea would be considered after some time.
Regarding contaminated water being supplied by certain municipal bodies, Dr Hasan made it clear that a standard does exist for this sort of water and the water boards have been told to comply with the specified standards.
However, this water does not come under the purview of the PSQA as it is not a packed product.—APP
