World Standard Day is celebrated on 14 October every year by all member countries of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), International Electro Commission (IEC) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with a view to highlight the significance of standardisation in the world economy to increase awareness among the stakeholders ie the manufacturers, distributors, stockiest and consumers of goods and services across the globe.
The World Standards Day reminds us about the increasing importance of standardisation in the world economy and the role of standards in the business, industry, government and consumers world-wide. I am pleased to note that Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) established under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Pakistan, as a member of ISO & IEC, regularly takes part in this global event, which helps in increasing public awareness.
The theme of world standards day this year is "Tackling climate change through standards" apart from its relevance to the world on the whole has great significance for Pakistan. Our country is facing environmental degradation of all sorts, resultantly posing significant impact on climate. The recent phenomenon of below average monsoon in the country with unprecedented high rains of recent years in Karachi amply indicate changing climatic patterns in the country.
The PSQCA as a national standardisation body is committed to play its multidimensional role in enhancing the awareness about standardisation and quality control and protect the consumer rights. In this regard the PSQCA has recently upgraded and modernised its laboratories in Karachi and Lahore for testing quality products according to Pakistan Standards and has also established a Consumer Liaison Office to facilitate the manufacturers all over the country.
Pakistan as a member of global community is striving to keep pace with development in the areas of MSTQ and sensitising the public about the advantages of standards and their role in promoting export of the country. I wish PSQCA to be a successful leader in their endeavours and this event be harbinger of economic success of the country.