KARACHI, Feb 3: The government has decided to adopt ISO standards as Pakistan standards in a phased manner. Initially the list of standards will be split into mandatory and voluntary standards.

The division of ISO standards into mandatory and voluntary standards will be done on the basis of availability of facilities required for their adoption. Other important factor will be their level of specific requirements for Pakistani industry.

The decision has been taken after a review of issues related with the adoption of standards.

Detailed consultations were held between the ministry of science and technology and the industries ministry before arriving at the decision.

The government will gradually increase the capacity for mandatory standards. A comprehensive programme is being chalked out to make available all the technical and professional facilities required to adopt the ISO standards.

Adoption of ISO standards as Pakistan Standards is an initial step towards increasing trade within and outside the country.

Adoption of ISO standards throughout the world has broken trade barriers leading to an increase in the international trade. Export earnings of Pakistan are very meagre and have not reached even US $ 10 billion.

These earnings can be increased by adopting international standards of ISO for Pakistan and making sure that our products and services conform to the ISO standards.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Prof Atta-ur-Rahman has directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, the agency responsible for setting standards in Pakistan, to create the infrastructure for a widespread adoption of these standards for trade, industry and other end-users within a four-week time.

Six existing laboratories are being upgraded and a number of testing laboratories, centres have been selected for strengthening.

The next step will be to accredit these laboratories with international and Pakistan accreditation bodies.

Under the project, a national campaign is being launched to raise awareness among the exporters, industries, suppliers of services about the trade policy and regulation being framed by the World Trade Organization, create an understanding of the importance of Total Quality Management and Productivity and its application in manufacturing and service industry.

This will ultimately lead to efficient and quality production of goods and services that will lead to an enhanced exports and other economic activities.

The crash awareness project will be executed by Pakistan National Accreditation Council and an amount of Rs23 million will be spent on the project.

Under the project, 400 seminars/workshops will be held throughout the country with the collaboration of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Training courses will be conducted in all the major industrial cities to create awareness among the industry, commerce, and consumers etc.—APP