Daily Times

Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Shibli Faraz, has directed Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to complete the automation process at the earliest to ensure availability of quality products to masses at reasonable price.

During a visit of PSQCA here on Friday, the federal minister, while chairing a meeting, noted that a regulatory framework and relevant rules and regulations pertaining to standardization of consumer goods were in place but gaps in the system and poor implementation allowed sub standard and low quality products to flood the local market.

“Gaps in the system need to be identified, enforcement mechanisms required to be strengthened and regulatory framework must be proactive,” the minister further instructed adding that utilization of modern technologies and automation were the key in this regard.

Complete information about quality of the product be publicized so that consumers could make informed decisions, he said.

Later, talking to the media Shibli Faraz informed that PSQCA was monitoring 166 products for ensuring quality of the product as per international standards with focus on three fundamental elements Safety, efficiency and price.

The minister said that the prevailing process of standardization was lengthy and complex which involved human interface at many stages. The automated system would encompass all the phases from application, testing, and licensing would be carried out through complete automated procedure, he said adding that it would not only save the time of applicants but it would also keep them updated about the status of their filed applications.

A new model for grading of products was also on cards that would determine the category of a certain product on the basis of its quality, efficiency and price, he said and added that PSQCA was also working to develop a strategy for maintaining quality and safety of vehicles being manufactured or assembled in Pakistan and fulfillment of required parameters.

On a query about electronic voting machines (EVM), Shibli Faraz said that EVM was being developed in Pakistan and work has entered into advanced stages. Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted a fool proof polling process that is acceptable to all stakeholders so that no one could raise objections over the result and democratic system continue functioning in a smooth manner, he remarked.

The federal minister, replying to a question regarding the attitude of members in parliament said that opposition parties were interrupting the proceedings of the house to save their leadership.

Disturbances were created during speeches of prime minister and even budget speech as disturbed, he said adding that the PTI government intended that parliament function smoothly and democratic system flourish and strengthen but opposition did not want to listen or let others speak.

It is democracy in Pakistan and standards for elected representatives had to be set up by the electorate, he further said.

On a query about the status of development in Sindh, the federal minister said that PPP’s Sindh government had received billions of rupees in its 13 year long rule but people of Sindh were still deprived of even basic facilities like drinkable water, education and health.

The PTI government had allocated record funds for Sindh, a manifestation of PM Imran Khan’s commitment with development of the province, Shibli said.