August 05, 1999

Rawalpindi: 'The proposed consumer protection Bill for Punjab (1999) and the proposed consumer counts and councils would deliver only if the consumer realized their responsibilities. This was stated by S.A. Hameed, chairman task force on essential items, at a seminar organize by the consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) Thursday.
He said that consumer actions was necessary for the promotion and Protection of the legitimate rights of the consumer appreciating the efforts of CRCP, he said for the first time consumers had been organized at a public forum- regarding the consumer Protection Bill would facilitate the consumers to prevent their grievances for redressal. He added that the government of Punjab is committed to protect and promote the rights of consumers in the province.
Addressing the seminar. Barrister Muhammad Sarwar, a renowned legal practitioner offered a comparative perspective of consumer protection legislation in Britain and Pakistan, and added that Privity because of the contract Act should he set aside while enacting consumer Protection Bill for the Punjab province.
Dr. Kaser Bengali visiting fellow SDPI, stated that there is a need to he more assertive for consumers in order to protect their rights. He showing suggested that there should he no overlapping of executive and judiciary in terms of consumer counts. Mr. Zafarullah Khan, a renowned journalist and member liberal forum, highlighted the scope of political freedom and liberty and the new light on the role of consumers and consumer Protection liberal economy.
Mr. Salman Humyun, Director Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) highlighted and explained the concept of consumer protection and also enumerated the recommendations offered by CRCP for the consumer Protection Bill for Punjab (1999).
Dr. Zafar Mirza, executive coordinator The Network for rational use of medication appreciated the effort of CRCP and stressed the need for a consumer Protection law..
At the end of the seminar Mr. Shahid Nizami expressed thanks to all the participation, and hoped that the government would keep on taking steps for consumer protection.