Karachi, 15 Oct 2023: Pakistan observed World Standards Day with the theme “Shared Vision for a Better World.” Commemorating the occasion, an awareness walk, organized by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), took place in Karachi. Beginning from the Sindh Assembly and culminating at the Karachi Press Club, the walk drew participation from citizens, NGOs, and members of civil society, all of whom commended PSQCA’s pivotal role.
Guiding the procession were Aijaz Panhwar, Director of PSQCA Import Export, and Syed Ali Muhammad Bukhari, Director of PSQCA Administration. Joining them were influential figures including Advocate Rehmatullah Memon from the Consumers Lawyers Forum, Uzma Sabir, CEO of Icon PR and Communication, and Noor Ahmed Jamali, Media Adviser to PSQCA. Enthusiastic participants brandished banners bearing various slogans related to Quality Standards Day, raising their voices to increase public cognizance about the significance of standards.
World Standards Day, observed on 14 October annually, is a collective celebration by members of the International Electrical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This day pays homage to the worldwide collaborative efforts of countless experts, responsible for developing and implementing voluntary technical guidelines, subsequently recognized as International Standards.
On this special day, messages were conveyed by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Umar Saif, and Director General of PSQCA, Dr. H.U. Khan. In their shared sentiments, they highlighted the indispensable role of international standards in reinforcing societies, making them more resilient and equitable. Their joint statement emphasized the significance of cooperation, stating, “The sum of the whole is greater than its parts.” The pair also stressed how international standards bolster the success of the Sustainable Development Goals, resonating with the theme, ‘Shared vision for a better world’.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Aijaz Pamhwar, Director of PSQCA Import Export, highlighted that in the industrial sector, standards serve as instrumental tools that curtail costs by decreasing waste, rectifying errors, and amplifying productivity. Syed Ali Muhammad Bukhari added that standards pave the way for economic augmentation by eradicating barriers to trade and ensuring equitable global commerce. Moreover, voices like Mr. Rehmatullah Memon, Uzma Sabir, and Ainy Zehra further enriched the discourse with their insights during the event.