Consumers are the largest stakeholders in any country. In developed countries they are treated with the respect they deserve and are protected by strong and effective Consumer Protection Laws and Consumer Courts.

Unfortunately, in developing countries, the situation is quite the opposite and due to the absence of effective Consumer Laws and Consumer Courts, consumers are being blatantly cheated by glossy, misleading advertisements and are being poisoned by substandard, adulterated and counterfeit products. And in the absence of strong consumer protection organizations, even standards are being compromised on by both government and manufacturers.

Standards and quality are very important, as they give both consumers and the relevant government authorities’ guidelines for quality control and quality assurance. In the absence of strong consumer laws, "Standards" have become symbols for quality and reliability.

Therefore it is the moral obligation of socially responsible organizations to take the lead and set an example by maintaining quality and standards avoid misleading advertisements and provide consumers with quality products at a fair price.

I sincerely hope that through this ceremony and our “Putting the Consumer First” Awards, we will be able to collectively work together to strengthen the Consumer Movement in Pakistan.

I take this opportunity to request the present Government, through the leadership of President, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Syed Yousaf Raza Gilarni, Prime Minister of Pakistan, to take up the issue of Consumer Protection in Pakistan as part of the government's agenda towards good governance.

I also hope that the Sindh government will give due consideration to the Declaration that has been signed at the ceremony and will take necessary action to introduce effective Consumer Protection Laws and Consumer Courts in Sindh without further delay.

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