August 10, 2006

There is no concept of consumers’ rights in Pakistan. One organsation has tried to bring some change in this regard, writes Sahar Majid

Giving due credit to an organisation or manufacturer for maintaining high quality standards is as important as criticising it for any shortcomings. Keeping checks and balances on the workings of different organisations is Consumers Association of Pakistan, an NGO giving voice to the common people who are often subjected to exploitation by manufacturers and service providers.

Recently, the association held its Second Consumers Choice Award Ceremony. The awards presented to different companies were based on consumers’ opinion. “We have a survey system through which we get consumers’ views from all over the country. Then we nominate and award the product manufacturers according to the data gathered from the consumers,” said Kaukab Iqbal, chairman of the organisation, while explaining the criterion of award presentation.

The awards were distributed among various categories of products and services such as ‘best bank for retail banking’, ‘best cellphone dealer’, ‘best ice-cream’, ‘best traditional drink’, ‘best diesel car manufacturer’, ‘best air conditioner’ etc. The products which are injurious to health such as tobacco, gutka and mainpuri were not included in the nominations.

To increase the awareness level of Pakistani consumers, the association has given their phone numbers written on the gas bills so that the consumers can contact them and lodge their complaints. They are also going to set up a toll free number to further facilitate the consumers.

Discussing many different ways through which people are exploited, Iqbal said, “Pakistan’s consumers are tortured in the worst manner. The recent sugar crisis is an open example of fleecing them. The electricity issue in Karachi is another form of cheating the helpless consumers.”

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