Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is almost non-existent in Pakistan as it is in most of the other developing countries.

Supreme Court’s notice on non-compliance of CSR practices by some oil and gas firms in Sanghar (Sept 12) on the complaints of Advocates Abdul Hakeem Khoso and Anwar Nizamani is highly commendable.

CSR benefits both the business corporations and the society. On the one hand, it results in sustainable socio-economic development, poverty alleviation and better environmental conditions for workers and the local communities.

On the other, it creates brand value, customer satisfaction and employee retention for the firms to compete with their rivals in the market.

There is a growing body of literature advocating volunteerism in adopting CSR by the corporate sector. However, stringent laws and coercive policies have also been in place in some countries to make corporations behave responsibly.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan no pertinent laws, regulations, and policies are in place to check CSR compliance and implementation.

I congratulate both the advocates for bringing this very important issue before the apex court, and expect a vigorous stance by civil society in general on this and similar other corporate laxities.

ZAHID ALI MEMON Jamshoro