65% CONSUMER

PRODUCTS SOLD IN
PAKISTAN ARE FAKE.
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TRIBUNE SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

Counterfeit goods become serious problem, 65%

consumer products sold in Pakistan are fake.
Umar Ghauri, Chairman TCEP. (PRESS RELEASE)

Karachi. The growing menace of counterfeit products has become a serious problem for consumers
and producers, so the countrys law enforcement agencies must acquire the ability to investigate this
white-collar crime. Laws do exist to curb this menace, but the law enforcement agencies do not have
adequate knowledge to distinguish between the fake and genuine products. The proliferation of fake
and modified goods is not only hurting the consumers and genuine producers of goods, the menace
is also adversely affecting the national economy, government revenues and thereby public-sector
sociology-economic programmes. This was stated by Umar Ghauri Chairman TCEP The
Consumers Eye Pakistan in his keynote address in Seminar combating counterfeiting on occasion
of World Anti Counterfeiting Day 2014 in a local Hotel Karachi.
Seminar organized by The consumers Eye Pakistan (TCEP), Consumer Voice Pakistan (CVP) and
Helpline Trust, with the collaboration of Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
Chairman TCEP disclosed that huge amount of ill-gotten money invested by unscrupulous elements
to raise production of their goods has made it difficult to detect the genuineness. He said that
according to an international report 65% of the goods including live saving drugs being sold in the
country are fake, which is harming the consumers, producers and our economy. He empathized
that there is a critical need to combat counterfeiting and piracy, which have also been found linked to
public safety issues. Mr. Rasim Khan, President, Consumers Voice Pakistan (CVP) in his speech
said that in the absence of counterfeit specific laws, special courts and delay in justice are
hampering efforts to curb the spread of counterfeit goods in the country. A strict and forceful
enforcement of existing laws is needed to control the proliferation of counterfeit products which put
human lives at risk. Chairman CVP, Rasim Khan said that our markets are flooded with counterfeit
products being sold without fear of punishment. Some manufacturers use non-food grade plastics
and colors in their products, which cause cancer. While other manufacturers use old rusted tins and
plastic bottles for packing cooking oils and bottled water. He stressed the need for counterfeit
specific laws and courts in Pakistan. He also demands consumer Courts in the province of Sindh as
all provinces. He appreciated those manufactures and retailers who are in fore front in combating
counterfeiting. Engr. M.A. Jabbar Honorary Consul of Ukraine, former Vice President of FPCCI &
Chairman SITE Association of Industry and member Board of Directors PSQCA in his Chief Guest
speech said that Pakistan ranks amongst those countries of the world where fake goods and
adulterated foodstuffs are sold openly in markets. There is no formal research or study present on
the size of counterfeit drug market in Pakistan; one cannot say how big this market exactly is.
Counterfeiting is believed to cost the government over Rs12 billion a year, so the government has to
play its part and take this issue seriously. Mr. Jabbar pointed out that laws do exist to curb this
menace, but the law enforcement agencies do not have adequate knowledge to distinguish between
the fake and genuine products, so the countrys law enforcement agencies must acquire the ability to
investigate this white-collar crime. Mr. Hamid Maker founder trustee of Helpline Trust in his opening
Remarks asked for strict Consumer Protection Law to combat counterfeiting and provide protection
to industry as well as consumers. Counterfeit products have become a global menace and are
manufactured and marketed with only one objective in mind, to cut costs by ignoring quality and
safety, cheat consumers and make unlawful profits. And if we allow this illegal business to carry on
unchecked, then we too are equally guilty of this crime. He stressed the need for counterfeit specific
laws and courts in Pakistan. He also demands consumer Courts in the province of Sindh. Mr.
Faheem Ahmed Siddiqui of GEO FIR, Ex Gen Secretary of Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) said
that medias role is crucial in raising awareness about the menace of counterfeit and piracy affecting
the rights of consumers and investors. He urged the public and private sectors to come closer and
share their opinions and expertise to devise means required to curb the violation of right of
intellectual property (IPR). He said that one of the hallmarks of the progressive society was the
protection of rights of creators, artists, writers and investors in fostering creativity and innovation. He
said that the mass media is playing a positive and effective role in creating awareness and
stimulating debate. Director General Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in his
message termed seminar Combating Counterfeiting a step in the right direction to aware people
about the effects of counterfeiting. Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority is fully aware
about the substandard counterfeit products. I assure you that PSQCA will not let counterfeiters free
or unchecked in Pakistan. He said that PSQCA Task force teams along with equipped Mobile testing
laboratory and consumer NGOs representatives, regularly visiting Markets, Stores, factories and
open bazaars, to combat unregistered, Counterfeit products. Director General PSQCA assured
organizers his full support in their campaign against substandard counterfeit products in the country.
Director General PSQCA acknowledges and appreciates organizers for their extra ordinary efforts
relating protection of consumers rights.Other Speakers from corporate sector were Mr. Shabbir
Ahmed Qureshi, Director QCC, Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Col
Mirza Rasul Bux Baig, Chairman, Xenith Group, Mr. Abrar-ud-Din, C.E.O, Naheed Super Market, Mr.
Sarwar Haider, Manager Quality Operation, Shan Foods (Pvt.) Ltd and M. Azam Shakeel, Manager
Legal & Corporate Affairs, EBM. The speakers had stated that counterfeit goods including food and
medicine products are not only a serious health hazard, but they cheat the government of revenue,
infringe on intellectual property rights of the original manufacturer, have a negative effect on
investment and tarnish the image of Pakistan. They highlighted the harm that they were doing to the
economy and to the health of the consumers and emphasized the need for action against the
dangers of counterfeit products including food and life saving drugs in Pakistan. Seminar covered a
wide range of topics relating to anti counterfeiting activities, Consumer Protection Laws and quality
standards, enforcing laws and the role of Consumer NGOs protecting consumers. The seminar was
attended by large number of personalities, representatives from corporate sector, Print and
electronic media personals, representatives of NGOs, Social workers students and volunteers.

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