AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, July 05, 2013 (PPI-OT): Due to the lack of Consumer Protection Laws and enforcement of existing Food and Drug Laws, our markets are flooded with substandard, look alike and counterfeit products and Pakistan has become a dumping ground for substandard and semi expired food and beverages.
As there is no accountability or legal checks, the gullible Citizens are being misled by glossy and misleading advertisements. Callous manufacturers and wholesalers play havoc with the health and lives of the consumers. Some manufacturers use non-food grade plastics and old, rusted tins for packing cooking oils. This his has turned us into a “number doe” nation.
Unscrupulous manufacturers refill empty bottles and tins of branded products to cheat the consumers and spurious and sub-standard products are being produced and marketed under popular brand names.
According to the existing Sindh Ordinance, 2001, PSQCA laws and food and drug laws, all the above offences are punishable by imprisonment and fine, yet none are punished. The lack of enforcement of laws has also tarnished our image in the International community and has had a negative effect in the investment climate.
A recent survey shows that the government is also losing Rs 20 billion per year in revenue in the form of taxes, excise duties, etc., as most of these manufacturers of spurious and counterfeit products are not registered and do not pay taxes.
To sensitize this issue, Helpline Trust is organizing a Seminar on “Protecting Consumers” on Monday, 8th July, 2013, at the Indus Hall, Avari Towers Hotel, Karachi from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The objective of the seminar is to highlight that how to protect consumers from the menace of substandard, counterfeit, contaminated and adulterated products and create awareness in the consumers of the harmful effect of these products on their health.
Justice (Retd) Majida Razvi, Trustee, Helpline Trust and the Law Foundation, will Chair the seminar and Ms. Sharmila Faruqui, Member of Provincial Assembly of Sindh, will be the Keynote Speaker.
Participants in the seminar will include senior members from the government, judiciary, trade and industry.
For more information contact:
Helpline Trust
15C, 12 Ittehad Lane, Phase-II Extn.
Defense Housing Authority,
Karachi.
Phone: +92 (021) -3588-9643 and 45
Fax: +92 (021) -3588-9740
E-Mail: trust@helplinetrust.org / info@helplinetrust.org