It is a matter of extreme pleasure for Pakistan Certification Bodies Association (PCBA) to be the part of this Second Regional Conference on “Building Partnerships for Strong Consumer Protection in South East Asia ” which is being held to commemorate the World Consumer Rights Day 2006.

The year 2006 marks the 24 th. commemoration of the World Consumer Rights Day, which is celebrated by campaigning on a different issue of global and national interest each year.

As the theme for 2006 is ‘Energy: Sustainable Access for All’, we must ensure that in Pakistan, government, energy producers/regulators and consumers,

- Reduce wasteful energy production
- Promote sustainable alternative energy sources
- Promote investment in renewable resources
- Reduce the use of traditional non-renewable sources of energy
- Promote micro-credit schemes in sustainable energy technology

Globally the talks are about the security of energy delivery, whereas, the real issueÊfor consumers is sustainable access. All consumers have a right to safe, affordable and sustainable energy, as well as a responsibility to act to protect the future of the planet.

PCBA as co-organizers wish to congratulate The Helpline Trust and other strategic partners on organizing this Regional Conference on a subject of great national and international importance. We would like to take this opportunity to put on record our commitment and support for the cause of consumer protection. We feel proud to be a part of the activities organized by Helpline Trust and its Consumer Protection Council, during the year and specially this mega event of Regional Conference.

Pakistan Certification Bodies Association feels very proud of its role in the struggle for a fair marketplace and social and economic justice for all consumers. It will go a long way to help strengthen consumer movement in Pakistan, to bring awareness of rights and responsibilities of consumer to counter malpractices in society. This will also act as watchdog to monitor and assure the quality of products and services.

Consumer movements need to have policies that advance the cause of consumers, which than surely change the economic, technological, political and social conditions in the country. Need of the day is to have a just and equitable society for the Pakistani consumers.

Our government, civil society, trade and industry will have to come forward to take positive measures to eliminate consumer exploitation. Fruits of rapid scientific and technological developments can only be passed on to consumers, if we put in place a mechanism to limit the harmful effects on the health, well being and quality of life of consumers.

Globalization is strengthening the global business power, resulting in creation of global players, who might not be very interested in accountability and community interests. The consumer movement in Pakistan must work with dedication and shall ensure consumer rights and needs, are taken as key process indicators in any business process.

Poor governance and corrupt practices effect the consumers and compromise their rights, thus our government need to take measures to eradicate corruption and strengthen governance. We must pursue a consumer policy, based on consumer legislation and regulations, consumer representation and the empowerment of individual consumers. We have enough consumer protection legislation, what we need is its effective implementation. We must particularly focus consumer representation both in public and private sectors.

Consumer representation in policy-making bodies will strengthen consumer protection process in the country and will also help manufacturers to have customer feedback, in shape of consumer views from many sections of society. In fact it will involve all stakeholders and encourage accountability and good governance e.g. need for consultation before the increase in price of electricity, telecom, gas, food items etc.

Engr. Zafar I. Chaudhry
President PCBA.