KARACHI: The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has urged the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue to make printed retail prices mandatory on essential grocery items, including cooking oil, dairy products, infant formula and frozen food, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
Speaking during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, CAP Chairperson Kaukab Iqbal called for the expansion of the Third Schedule of the Sales Tax Act to cover more household products in the upcoming budget recommendations.
He said the absence of printed retail prices on several essential items allowed retailers to charge varying rates, exposing consumers to overcharging and sudden price increases.
“Under consumer protection principles, every consumer product should carry a clearly printed retail price to ensure transparency and protect consumers from overcharging,” he said.Iqbal said unjustified price fluctuations on essential goods were placing an increasing financial burden on households. He added that transparent pricing was necessary to protect consumer rights, prevent exploitation and promote fairness in the retail market.
Senate Standing Committee Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla advised CAP to submit a detailed list of products lacking printed retail prices, along with other consumer complaints.Mandviwalla assured the association that the committee would remain available throughout the year to address consumer concerns and welcomed continued engagement from CAP on consumer protection issues.
