Karachi | 9 February 2026 : Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman of the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP), has expressed serious concern over the rising prices, adulteration, and short-measurement practices in the sale of fresh milk and packaged milk, urging provincial governments, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, to take immediate corrective measures ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
Kaukab Iqbal stated that milk is an essential daily food item, and its consumption significantly increases during Ramadan. At present, fresh milk is being sold at Rs. 220 to Rs. 260 per litre, while packaged (tetra pack) milk is priced between Rs. 360 and Rs. 380 per litre, placing a heavy burden on consumers, especially low-income families.
He highlighted that recent samples collected by Punjab and Sindh Food Authorities have revealed that a large proportion of fresh milk available in the market is adulterated, containing water, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. Such practices pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and patients.
The Chairman CAP further pointed out that consumers are also being exploited through under-gauge practices, where retail shops supply less than one litre of milk while charging the full price. He termed this a clear violation of consumer rights and called for strict enforcement of weight and measurement laws at the retail level.
Kaukab Iqbal urged the provincial governments to ensure that, before Ramadan, both fresh milk and packaged milk are made available to consumers without adulteration and with accurate measurement. He strongly recommended that milk adulteration be treated as a serious criminal offence, and that those involved should face a minimum jail term of two years, in addition to fines and closure of businesses.
The Consumers Association of Pakistan urges the provincial authorities to:
• Ensure the availability of adulteration-free fresh and packaged milk during Ramadan
• Strengthen monitoring through regular sampling and public disclosure of results
• Take strict action against retailers involved in under-gauge and overcharging
• Review provincial taxes and charges impacting milk prices
• Implement effective enforcement mechanisms to protect consumers
Kaukab Iqbal stated that CAP is willing to fully cooperate with provincial governments and regulatory bodies and hopes timely action will be taken to provide real relief to consumers before Ramadan.
