Retailers show concerns over raids on shops by PSQCA
ISLAMABAD: A delegation of local retailers visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and said that the officials of Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) were conducting raids on shops which has created lot of concerns in the retailing community. They said the raids by PSQCA officials along with police force were damaging the reputation of local well-known retailers and business concerns that would bring harmful consequences for the economy. They urged that ICCI should take up this issue with concerned authorities to address concerns of retailers so that they could focus on promoting business activities in a peaceful environment.
Addressing the delegation, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that such coercive tactics on the part of PSQCA would hurt business activities and discourage new investment. He said if PSQCA has any complaint against any retailer or business concern, it should first take ICCI or concerned market union on board before taking any direct action so that issues could be resolved through dialogue.
He assured the delegation that he would take up this issue with Chief Commissioner ICT and the management of PSQCA to find out its optimum solution.
Muhammad Naveed, Senior Vice President and Nisar Ahmed Mirza Vice President ICCI said that traders were playing constructive role in the development of the country, but such coercive tactics by PSQCA would never be beneficial for the economy in any manner. They said instead of conducting raids on shops, problems should be addressed through consensus approach. They assured the delegation that ICCI would play role for removal of their concerns on this account.Watson Group Chairman Zafar Bakhtawari, M. Ejaz Abbasi, Ch. Farzand, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Musharraf Janjua, Izzat Bakhsh, Saeed Ahmed Bhatti, Khalid Chaudhry, Waqas Janjua and others were in the delegation.