Business Recorder
KARACHI: Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman of the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP), while addressing media representatives , urged the Government of Pakistan to announce strong consumer-friendly policies in the upcoming Federal Budget to provide relief to the public from inflation, excessive electricity charges, and rising food prices. Kaukab Iqbal stated that all Independent Power Producers (IPPs) agreements should be terminated forever as these agreements have become a major burden on the national economy and consumers. He said the people of Pakistan are paying extremely high electricity bills due to unfair policies and capacity charges. He emphasized that the only permanent solution to end load shedding and reduce electricity costs is to promote solar energy across the country. He called upon the Government to encourage the entire nation to install solar systems and produce their own electricity. He demanded tax exemptions, subsidies, interest-free loans, and incentives for domestic and industrial consumers willing to shift toward solar energy. Kaukab Iqbal further demanded that the Government extend Sixth Schedule relief measures to all essential consumer products including dairy products, frozen foods, formula milk, biscuits, cooking oil, ghee, and other daily-use items in order to provide maximum relief to consumers. He also strongly urged the Government to formulate strict policies under the Sixth Schedule making it mandatory for all manufacturers, importers, and companies to clearly print retail prices on all dairy products, frozen foods, formula milk, biscuits, and other consumer items. He said consumers are suffering due to overcharging, hidden pricing, and unfair market practices. Kaukab Iqbal stated that price printing on products is the fundamental right of consumers and an essential step toward transparency, accountability, and prevention of profiteering. He said strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms should also be introduced to ensure compliance in markets across Pakistan. He added that rising inflation has badly affected middle-class and low-income families, and immediate practical measures are required to protect consumers from exploitation. Kaukab Iqbal appealed to the Prime Minister, Federal Finance Minister, Ministry of Energy, Federal Board of Revenue, and all relevant authorities to prioritize consumer welfare in the upcoming budget and formulate policies that directly benefit the people of Pakistan. He further reaffirmed that Consumers Association of Pakistan will continue its struggle for affordable electricity, fair pricing, quality products, food safety, and protection of consumer rights throughout the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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