MULTAN, Oct 14 (APP): Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Vice President Sheikh Abdul Wahab on Wednesday stressed the need for ensuring product quality and promoting authentic certification to strengthen consumer confidence, improve industrial competitiveness and enhance the acceptance of Pakistani products in international markets.
Addressing an awareness session organised by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) at the MCCI to mark World Standards Day 2026, he said adherence to national and international standards was essential for ensuring the availability of safe and reliable products, improving the reputation of local industries and expanding export opportunities.
He appreciated the PSQCA’s efforts to promote quality standards and strengthen product testing and certification, urging the business community and relevant institutions to work together to ensure that Pakistani products met internationally recognised quality benchmarks.
Mr Sheikh said effective implementation of standards would not only protect consumers but also enhance business confidence and facilitate access to global markets. He reaffirmed the MCCI’s commitment to continuing its cooperation with relevant institutions to promote quality standards and raise awareness among industrial stakeholders.
The event was organised in connection with World Standards Day, observed annually on October 14. This year’s theme, “A Shared Vision for a Better World,” highlights the role of standards in promoting clean and affordable energy, sustainable development, energy efficiency, innovation and access to reliable energy solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Khanewal Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Asif Majeed called for an effective nationwide system for product testing and certification to improve the quality of locally manufactured goods and strengthen consumer confidence.
He assured the PSQCA of the business community’s full cooperation, observing that compliance with prescribed standards was indispensable for industrial development and the wider acceptance of Pakistani products in international markets.
PSQCA Deputy Director, Conformity Assessment, Multan Zone, Engineer Aqib-ur-Rehman, said standards played a fundamental role in ensuring product quality, safety, reliability and consumer protection.
He observed that compliance with Pakistan’s national standards and relevant international benchmarks could improve industrial competitiveness, facilitate trade and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
He said the authority had prescribed standards for various products, making it essential for manufacturers and businesses to adopt the relevant requirements and obtain applicable certifications. He urged the business community to cooperate with the PSQCA in improving product quality and ensuring compliance with established standards.
Engineer Aqib-ur-Rehman assured participants that the authority would continue to guide and assist businesses seeking to comply with prescribed standards and certification requirements.
He also emphasised the need to formulate a future course of action for effective implementation of standards by involving senior officials of relevant institutions and strengthening coordination among the PSQCA, the MCCI and other stakeholders.
Highlighting the significance of certification for international trade, he said PSQCA certification could help improve the acceptance of locally manufactured products in global markets and strengthen Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
Referring to established companies, including Unilever and Vital, he underscored the importance of an effective standards and certification system in maintaining product quality and building confidence in commercial transactions and international trade.
The awareness session also focused on the growing importance of standards in the clean energy sector, particularly amid the increasing use of renewable energy technologies and electric mobility solutions.
Participants were briefed on the significance of applying relevant standards to solar panels, inverters, batteries, photovoltaic equipment and electric vehicles to ensure their safety, efficiency, performance and reliability.
They observed that compliance with appropriate technical standards was essential to protect consumers, improve the durability and performance of energy equipment and promote confidence in emerging technologies.
MCCI executive members Sheikh Imran Arshad, Chaudhry Tariq Karim, Shehzad Karim Bhatti and Aurangzeb Alamgir; Secretary General Muhammad Shafiq; PSQCA Assistant Director Muhammad Javed; Waqar Hussain, Imran Naseer, Aftab Ahmed, Ghulam Mustafa, Abdul Majid, Muhammad Ahmed, Rana Adnan, GM Ghaffar and Ali Hasnain Jatt, Advocate, among others, attended the session.