‘Consumer Protection Act needed to be strengthened’

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Industry and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain visited the Directorate of Consumer Protection Council and reviewed the working of various sectors. Director Punjab Consumer Protection Council Mahmood Ahmed Bhatti gave a detailed briefing on the working of the department. Shafay Hussain while addressing the meeting said that the purpose of consumer courts is to protect the rights of consumers and to facilitate them. The people should be given full awareness in this regard. To protect the rights of consumers, the Consumer Protection Act needed to be strengthened, he added.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that no effort should be spared to protect the rights of consumers. Redressing the consumer complaints should be ensured within the stipulated time. He directed district officers of consumer courts and district protection councils to play an effective role in solving the issues of consumers. Modern technology should be used to ensure the protection of consumer rights. The minister asked for suggestions for reforms and improvements in the institution.

Director Punjab Consumer Protection Council Mahmood Ahmed Bhatti said that 52,591 cases had been filed in consumer courts so far, out of which 50,345 cases were disposed of. Similarly, 50,760 complaints were received, out of which 48,727 were disposed of.

He told that 17 consumer courts were working across Punjab. Khalid Rafiq Awan Assistant Director Chemical, Rao Muhammad Afzal Khan Assistant Director Legal, Abid Ali Assistant Director, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Assistant Director (Admin), Tanveer Ahmed Assistant Director Budget. and other officers attended the meeting.