The Lahore High Court (LHC) here on Thursday was told that out of a total of 64 bottled and mineral water manufacturing companies in Punjab region only 10 were working under valid licences. Chairman Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) stated this in report submitted before the court in a petition against supply of adulterated bottled drinking water.
The court adjourned hearing of the petition till February 2 and also asked media to highlight the issue in hand as it pertains to the lives of citizens especially children. The report says that in Punjab 36 such companies are functioning out of which only 6 are under valid licence, 12 are under renewal process, 13 are under show cause notice while 5 companies have been closed.
In Islamabad all 10 companies are without valid licences as one is under renewal process while the rest are under show cause notice. Similarly, in Multan out of a total of 18, four have valid licences, 12 are under renewal process while 2 are facing show cause notices.
The court expressed serious concern on the report and directed all the water manufacturing companies to make their appearance on next date of hearing. The court also directed PSQCA to file a report after examining tap water being supplied in the city.