Pakistan is celebrating World Standards Day on October 14 with the theme "Standards - Build Trust". Building and sustaining Trust among people across geographical boundaries is inevitable. World Standards Day is being celebrated world over once 1970, for raising awareness on standardisation, with the ultimate target of achieving consumers' welfare.
Celebrating the World Standards Day increases awareness of the role that standards play in the global economy. In line with the need of the time, the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) and its organisations, being the main components of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), are contributing significantly towards creating a quality consciousness in the manufacturing as well services sectors of Pakistan. However, much more is required to comprehend and adapt the standards and practices to the compelling needs of the competitive global market. Compliance and implementation of the standards at all possible levels helps make the best use of the scarcely available national material resources to achieve these objectives. I can say confidently that Pakistan's industry is in the process of adopting this culture. More efficient industrial and business processes, facilitated by standards, empower companies to compete globally and produce quality products, as per International Standards at much lesser cost. Standards provide the backbone for day to day stability, they simultaneously make it possible to bring innovations and ideas to the market. Globally, harmonised international standards promote the compatibility of a huge variety of products and services. Standards are developed to increase efficiency and reduce associated costs. I would, therefore urge upon to our manufacturers and exporters to ensure the quality of their products and services by scrupulously adhering to the international quality standards for creating credibility of our exports in the international market. I wish to compliment the Ministry of Science & Technology and PSQCA for playing a lead role in the adoption of international standards and creating awareness with regard to the importance of International Standards. In accomplishing this task, PSQCA has rightly involved the civil society and the corporate sector, without which it would not have been possible to adequately meet the international quality standards. I am confident that through consistent efforts in this respect we can create a quality culture in the country and ensure consumer welfare.
The Government of Pakistan will assist PSQCA with full resources in their endeavours to harmonise national standards with international norms and ensure the conformity of goods and services produced in the country to these standards.