I wish to congratulate Consumers. Association of Pakistan for holding 7th Consumers Choice Award for rising awareness among the consumers of the country about their rights and thereby protecting them from all kinds of exploitations and market malpractices.
Consumer protection is essential to enhance consumer confidence and allow them to get benefit of the choices available to them. It is equally important to strengthen the economy by prohibiting unethical business practices and forestalling exploitative practices.
The government is conscious of the need for protecting consumers from exploitation. In 2010, legislation was enacted for the protection of the consumers from unethical business practices. Consumer protection cannot be ensured by government actions alone. It also requires the active involvement of private sector and civil society to help create climate of public opinion against the exploitation of consumers. It is reassuring that associations like the CAP are playing an active role in promoting the legitimate interests of consumers.
The Consumers Choice Award is a commendable initiative. It gives an opportunity to the manufacturers and service providers to strive for quality and gain the trust of consumers. It should be welcome by the consumers, the quality conscious business entities and all those who are committed to the well being of the people.
Once again, I wish to compliment the Chairman and executive members of Consumers Association of Pakistan for their year round activities in general and for organising Consumers Choice Award for the seventh consecutive year in particular. I congratulate all award winners, consumers, service providers, manufacturers, stakeholders and wish them all greater success in the future.