KARACHI: Chairman Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) Kaukab Iqbal has expressed serious concern over increasing complaints from consumers regarding unfair business practices, unjustified additional charges, misleading advertisements and profiteering, stating that consumers are continuously facing financial pressure due to such practices.
Kaukab Iqbal said that many brands and retail outlets are charging consumers separately for shopping bags despite the fact that these bags carry the companies’ own logos and are being used as a tool for brand promotion and free advertisement.
He said that businesses are already benefiting from marketing through these branded bags; therefore, forcing consumers to pay extra charges for them is an unfair burden and against the principles of consumer protection.
He demanded that the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) should take immediate notice of this matter and conduct an inquiry to determine whether companies are jointly adopting similar practices or acting as a cartel against the interests of consumers.
He emphasised that any unfair trade practice, price coordination or collective exploitation of consumers should be dealt with strictly under the law.
Kaukab Iqbal further stated that consumers are also being misled through attractive discount campaigns and advertisements, particularly claims of “up to 90 percent off” sales, where many times the actual benefit does not match the advertised offers.
He said that businesses have the right to promote their products, but misleading consumers through unclear, exaggerated or unrealistic discount claims is unacceptable.
He urged the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that all advertisements and promotional campaigns provide complete transparency and accurate information to protect consumers from deception.
The Chairman CAP also appealed to Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif that if changes are being made in the Federal Cabinet, a dedicated Minister for Consumers Affairs should be appointed at the federal level.
He said that consumer protection is a major priority in many countries where dedicated ministries and institutions are working for the rights of consumers, and Pakistan also needs a strong government mechanism to address consumer complaints, unfair pricing, misleading advertisements and other consumer-related issues.
Iqbal appreciated the recent reduction in petroleum prices by the Federal Government but expressed disappointment that many profiteers and businesses have not transferred this relief to consumers. He said that whenever petroleum prices increase, prices of essential goods and services are immediately increased, but when fuel prices are reduced, the benefit often fails to reach the public.
He demanded that the Federal Government and all Provincial Governments should take immediate action against profiteers and ensure that the reduction in input costs is reflected in the prices of goods and services.
He further stated that consumer protection requires strong monitoring, accountability and effective implementation of laws.
The government, regulatory bodies and business community must work together to ensure fair trade practices and provide real relief to ordinary citizens. CAP will continue to raise the voice of consumers and highlight issues affecting public interest.
“Consumers are the backbone of the economy. Their rights must be protected through transparency, accountability and strict action against unfair practices,” Kaukab Iqbal concluded.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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