MULTAN: An awareness session marking World Standards Day 2026 was organised by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the importance of product quality, certification, consumer protection, industrial competitiveness and clean, affordable energy. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to mark the occasion.
World Standards Day is observed annually on October 14. This year’s theme, “A Shared Vision for a Better World,” highlights the role of standards in promoting clean and affordable energy, sustainable development, energy efficiency, innovation and reliable access to energy.
Addressing the session, Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Sheikh Abdul Wahab said ensuring product quality had become essential, while recognised certification was an important step towards achieving this goal. He said compliance with standards helped provide consumers with safe and quality products, strengthen the reputation of local industries, build business confidence and improve the acceptance of Pakistani products in international markets.
He appreciated PSQCA’s efforts to promote quality standards and product testing and certification, urging the business community and relevant institutions to work together to ensure that Pakistani products meet international standards and contribute to increased exports.
Sheikh Abdul Wahab reaffirmed that the Multan Chamber would continue cooperating with relevant institutions to promote quality standards and raise awareness across the industrial sector.
President of the Khanewal Chamber of Commerce, Asif Majeed, stressed the need for an effective nationwide system for product testing and certification to improve manufacturing standards and strengthen consumer confidence. He assured PSQCA of his full cooperation, saying compliance with standards was essential for industrial development and the international acceptance of Pakistani products.
Engineer Aqib-ur-Rehman, Deputy Director of Conformity Assessment, PSQCA Multan Zone, said standards played a fundamental role in ensuring product quality, safety, reliability and consumer protection. He noted that compliance with Pakistan’s national standards and relevant international benchmarks could strengthen industrial competitiveness, promote trade and support sustainable economic growth.
He said PSQCA had established standards for various products and emphasised the need to promote compliance and relevant certification. He encouraged businesses to adopt prescribed standards and work with the authority to improve product quality, adding that the organisation would provide guidance and assistance to businesses committed to compliance.
Engineer Aqib-ur-Rehman also called for a future roadmap to strengthen implementation, involve senior management and improve coordination among PSQCA, the Multan Chamber and other relevant institutions. He said PSQCA certification could help improve the acceptance of locally manufactured products in international markets and strengthen export competitiveness. Citing companies such as Unilever and Vital, he highlighted the role of standards and certification in building confidence in product quality and international trade.
The session also focused on the importance of standards in the clean energy sector, particularly solar panels, inverters, batteries, photovoltaic equipment and electric vehicles. Participants were informed that compliance with relevant standards could help ensure the safety, performance and reliability of these technologies.
Participants stressed that close cooperation between regulatory authorities and the business community was essential to promoting national standards and improving industrial practices.
The event was attended by Multan Chamber executive members Sheikh Imran Arshad, Chaudhry Tariq Karim, Shehzad Karim Bhatti and Aurangzeb Alamgir; Secretary General Muhammad Shafiq; PSQCA Assistant Director Muhammad Javed; Waqar Hussain, Imran Naseer, Aftab Ahmed, Ghulam Mustafa, Abdul Majid, Muhammad Ahmed, Rana Adnan, GM Ghaffar and Ali Hasnain Jutt, Advocate, among other participants.