Pakistan SC bans 24 mineral water companies over unclean water

Islamabad Jan 25 (IANS) The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday banned nationwide sales and distribution by 24 mineral water companies after they failed to meet quality standards.

A three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar began the hearing of the "provision of clean water case" and observed that until the companies can satisfy the court regarding their safety standards they will not be allowed to operate.

"The companies are big but the water is not clean. They will not be allowed to sell water till the satisfaction of court " said the apex court adding that the companies should have the consciousness to provide clean water to the public.

According to Pakistani authorities more than two-thirds of the people in the country drink contaminated water and between 30 and 40 per cent of diseases and deaths countrywide are linked to poor water quality.

Diseases like typhoid cholera dysentery and hepatitis are not uncommon in the country due to substandard and unsafe water consumption.

--IANS
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