Consumer in Pakistan has remained an unprotected community despite the manifold progress in the industrial, financial and commercial sectors, which owe their growth to this consumer.

Unlike the developed world and even many developing countries, our consumer has not been given the rights that are his due. He continues to suffer for lack of protection against price gouging, product quality, counterfeits, after sales service and many such areas, putting him at a serious disadvantage.

On this issue voices have off and on been raised but not much has been done. I believe that for this issue to receive serious attention and for the rights of consumers to be protected, a two prong approach is needed. The government has to do its duty by promulgating and enforcing consumer protection laws and the civil society has to forcefully project the consumers’ perspective and demand of the providers of goods and services to meet their obligations in this regard. It is also very important for consumer bodies to encourage consumers to demand ‘value for their money’.

I have no hesitation in acknowledging that the Helpline Trust has done a remarkable job over the past several years to keep the issue under focus, create awareness and strive to bring justice to the consumer. This could be a model for other consumer organizations to begin playing an effective role for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.

I am happy to see that on the occasion of the “Putting The Consumer First” Awards, as every year in the past, the Helpline Trust is holding its Awards Ceremony. I have no doubt that these efforts of the Helpline Trust will serve as a beacon light for the civil society. I pray for the success of the Awards Ceremony. 

* ------- * ------*