Islamabad: Consumer Right Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) expresses its deep concern over the misplaced priorities of the government about the preparation of the forthcoming budget. The forthcoming "business-friendly budget" has aroused serious concerns among consumers. The Finance Minister has stated on a number of occasions that the next budget would be business-friendly but failed to mention even for once about the need of consumer protection. What is the whole point of being business-friendly if the consumer interests are excluded or compromised. Promotion of business must be welcomed but only within a broader framework of consumer protection. CRCP demands the government to make announcement of a comprehensive consumer policy integral to the budget. It may also be noted that in many countries including India there exist special ministries on consumer protection but it remains a neglected area in Pakistan.

Government is trying to build consensus over mid-term reforms to restore the confidence of the business community and investors but, in the whole debate, "consumer" was totally missing. The Finance Minister stressed the need of taking political parties into confidence on the economic reform agenda. CRCP appreciates this, but should government make economic reforms by neglecting consumers?" It is extremely important that, besides consulting business, government also ensures inclusion of consumers' point of view in the budget. For this, government must consult the consumer groups.

CRCP believes that business, government and consumers are three major stake- holders with regard to market and economic activities. All three are essentially integrated with each other but consumer is the most susceptible to results of economic instability. CRCP wishes to draw the attention of all concerned that forthcoming "business-friendly budget" has aroused serious concerns among consumers. CRCP fears that the so-called "business-friendly budget" may result in increased prices of goods and services and less controls on quality and safety aspect. Any such development would adversely affect the consumers, especially the marginalized ones, and government must desist from this in view of declining purchasing power of citizens. Government must realize that consumers already have been forced to cut on their expenses, including the crucial aspects such as nutrition, health and children education.