ISLAMABAD: Consumer Association of Pakistan Chairman Kaukab Iqbal has urged Senate Finance Committee Members to expand Third Schedule of Sales Tax Act to include essential grocery items such as cooking oil, dairy products, infant formula and frozen food so that retail prices are printed and consumers’ rights are protected.
During the meeting, Kaukab Iqbal stated, “Under consumer protection principles, every consumer product should carry a clearly printed retail price to ensure transparency and protect consumers from overcharging.”
He pointed out that these products are currently excluded from the Third Schedule requirement regarding mandatory printed prices, resulting in retailers charging different prices from consumers. He emphasized that due to unjustified price fluctuations, consumers often face sudden price jumps on essential household items, causing significant financial burden on the public.
He further stated that transparent pricing is essential for safeguarding consumer rights, preventing exploitation, and creating fairness in the retail market.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, advised CAP to submit a detailed list of products on which retail prices are not printed, along with other grievances faced by consumers. He assured that the Committee remains available throughout the year to hear consumer concerns and welcomed continued engagement from the Consumers Association of Pakistan.