The World Standard Day 2016 was marked on Friday with a resolve to raise awareness about the quality and safety of products through standardisation of products. Various events were organised to mark the day in which speakers said a product or service conforming to an international standard is imbued with a trusted symbol of quality, safety or compatibility.
Speakers also said that rapid globalisation and technological advancements have brought in the need for standardisation in Pakistan to improve international competitiveness and to solve socio-economic and environmental issues. Business leader Nasib Ahmed Saifi said there was a dire need to give awareness to the business community in general and the exporters in particular about the importance of standardisation in doing business with the outer world.
It may be added that Pakistan has signed at least 14 MoUs with various countries mainly Middle East states for mutual co-operation in the field of quality and standard besides international acceptance of Pakistani products. Saifi said that standardisation for Halal products was developed while the same was being developed for 62 items concerned with plant protection department.
"Pakistani companies must also remain vigilant about the development of international standards and practice involvement in the process," he said. He, however, stressed the need for community participation in preparation of Halal standards. He said an awareness campaign about Halal standards should be launched with the active participation of Ulema and scholars.