Retailers want PSQCA raids to stop

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of local retailers visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and demanded that officials of the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) stop raids their shops. Noting that this has created a lot of concerns in the retailing community, the retailers said that the raids by PSQCA officials along with police officials was damaging the reputation of well-known stores and business were concerned that it would have a harmful impact on the economy. They urged that ICCI take up the issue with concerned authorities and to address concerns of retailers. Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Sheikh Amir Waheed deplored the “coercive” tactics used by PSQCA and said that they would hurt business activities and discourage new investment. He added that if the PSQCA has any complaint against retailers, it should first take ICCI or the concerned market union on board before taking direct action so that issues could be resolved through dialogue. Waheed assured the group of retailers that he would take up the issue with the Islamabad Chief Commissioner and the PSQCA management for a solution.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2017.