I felicitate the Helpline Trust for commemorating World Consumer Rights Day by organizing “Putting The Consumer First” Awards on 17th March, 2010.

Consumers are the largest stakeholders in the economy of any country. The corporate sector in advanced countries acknowledges this reality that existence, growth and profitability mainly rely on the consumer views and preferences.

Since, higher stock value of the companies rests on their performance in corporate governance and social responsibility fields, therefore, respect for customer’s rights have assumed pivotal importance. This realization has transformed the whole concept of business practice and transcended the consumer as master of the corporate success.

Business in Pakistan is catching up with the international trends, however, it still has to come upto the mark. Our corporate sector needs to hasten to align itself with the concept of the Social Responsibility without any further delay otherwise consumers will discard their products.

Moreover, in the highly competitive global environment, Pakistan’s foreign exchange earning depends upon the quality of its products and services. To enhance export of goods and services, our corporate sector and the concerned institutions must meet the international quality and standards.

Although we have the legal framework of corporate governance in place, a great idea of work needs to be done to implement it in letter and spirit. Consumer Protection Laws are a first step in this direction. I call upon the provinces which do not have Consumer Protection Laws to promulgate these at the earliest and then follow through stringent implementation, particularly to ensure ‘good manufacturing practices’.

It is time that the civil society asserts itself on such crucial matters as Consumer Protection. There is need for consumer activism. I appreciate the prudent method of promoting consumers’ interest through persuasion, “Putting The Consumer First” award will not only encourage the successful companies to stride for better quality but will also boost their sales. The Helpline Trust is taking a timely imitative and striving to create the much needed momentum. By bringing the government, the corporate sector and the civil society together on one platform to debate the issue and create the awareness, it is undoubtedly making a positive contribution.

I wish to extend to the organizers and the participants of this ceremony my best wishes for their success.

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