LAHORE, July 17: Corporate social responsibility should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a liability for businesses, according to Dr Shehla Javed Akram, President, Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries (WCCI).

Speaking at a seminar on “social responsibilities of corporate sectors” here on Thursday, Dr Akram said that corporate social responsibility, or the process by which organisations consider interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on various stakeholders and the environment, is not a new concept, but has, so far, not been implemented well in Pakistan.

She said the act of abiding by labour and environmental legislation was a “duty”, whereas further innovations were needed to go over and above duty to help the government.

Measures, such as poverty alleviation, education, consumer friendly standards, and partnerships with government would eventually benefit a company as it came to be renowned.

She said: “Corporate social responsibility isn’t one way traffic – it gives your company a better image. Marketing means being known, and those companies who recognise their responsibilities become known.”